Wheels For Tai

Summer fund drive and we need you. Please consider helping us with your fund raising ideas, opportunities and donations. Think about what an impact you could make in this family's life . My name is Tai , I was diagnosed with a disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) at 3 years old. This disease makes me unable to walk and causes my muscles to slowly weaken throughout my life therefore I am in a wheelchair. I have experienced multiple problems which include: chronic Pneumonia because I am unable to cough hard enough to clear my lungs, a tracheotomy tube due to difficult breathing and pneumonia. The disease also causes Scoliosis (curvature of the spine) which also effects my breathing and appetite on a daily basis. I require a lot of medical needs and must attend many doctor appointments. However, I need a decent van to get to them. My van is a 1999 ford econoline. It is in rough condition and I am unable to make it to my mandatory dr. appointments. We are in need of a new/moderately used van so I can make it to my appointments. Even less expensive, out of state, used, modified vans are in the 23+ thousand dollars range. I live in Raleigh NC with my grandparents. We moved here from NY to avoid colder climates which make my condition worse. I require 24 hours care and a nurse for much of my needs. I am a very dedicated student, a junior in high school and my GPA is 3.64.

I enjoy most sports my favorite being baseball. I like Red Sox, NCSU, and Durham Bulls. I hope to attend college in a couple of years and am interested in sports analysis. I am unable to actively play sports and due to my physical limitations as well as trach, vent, and g tube. I can participate in. I can speak, use a computer and do socialize when given the opportunity but tire very easily.

Dependable transportation is a must in my life. Not only for appointments but for outings. Van breakdowns as you can imagine could be very dangerous to my health for many reasons. I have help for medical needs through the Community Alternatives Program for Children CAP-C. My Case Manager is Casey Robinson, BSW and will be assisting me with this fund raising effort. Please consider making a financial contribution to this fund or if you have any ideas to help with this need leave private message.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Tai