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Help Victor Drive!

A paraplegic raising money to regain independence.

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Help Victor Drive!

Help Victor Drive!

Help Victor Drive!

Help Victor Drive!

Help Victor Drive!

A paraplegic raising money to regain independence.

A paraplegic raising money to regain independence.

A paraplegic raising money to regain independence.

A paraplegic raising money to regain independence.

Victor
Victor
Victor
Victor
1 Campaign |
Cheshire, United States
$4,000 USD 116 backers
72% of $5,500 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

*in the video, I said "aging car" not "Asian car" hahah

 

Hey guys, my name is Victor and I am a T5-T6 paraplegic.

I suffered from a downhill skateboarding injury on October 14th, 2012, leaving me paralyzed from just below my chest. I was a fairly active kid and I absolutely loved to drive around and skate with my buddies. Now that I'm a few months into my new life, I feel a need to move on from my injury and dependence and get back on the road! Currently, my poor mother drives me around to my doctor's appointments and to my friend's houses. Getting me out of her hair will be such a relief for the both of us! :)

 

My car needs hand controls for me to be able to drive.

The bare minimum that I need is hand controls. I am interested in the Menox hand controls which is a simple push-pull lever mechanism instead of the common down-push (L-shaped) lever. There are three different packages, with the more intricate ones including wiper, horn, and headlight functions amongst others.

http://www.menox.org/en/hc_packages/

The controls themself should cost approximately $2000. The installation is expected to be around $1000; I am currently receiving quotes from shops.

The driving test that I need to take at Easter Seals is $800. The state may be able to cover this expense, but everything that goes through the state takes a very long time and is clouded with bureaucracy.

My car is a 1993 tank of a Camry, and I absolutely love it. It has MANY miles left to go, and I want to make sure it rolls smoothly for the rest of its life! I would like to see the stock suspension replaced and the tires changed (it's rolling on a mismatched set as-is, unfortunately). I am looking at KYB struts which are said to be more durable than Monroes and still feel similar to the OEM struts - they cost $67 each, for a total of $268. Goodyear Assurance TripleTred All-Year tires are well-rated and should last me a long time; they are $145 each for a total of $580.

If I do not reach my goal, the money will go towards the hand controls first and every thing else as I am able to afford them.

If the goal is met or exceeded, the money will be distributed between tuning-up the car for better durability (changing fluids, repairing any necessary parts, etc.) and buying components for my wheelchair such as a better, breathable Supracor Stimulite cushion for $384. I also desperately need spare wheel supplies such as tubes and a portable air compressor - I popped a tube the other week, and was lucky I had a backup set of wheels!

http://www.sportaid.com/stimulite-classic-flat-bottom-optional-xs-layer.html

If the goal is GREATLY exceeded ($$$$), I may be able to get a new chair. My current chair is fine for my use, but some of the measurements are not exact; for example, it is an inch too wide. This seemingly minor extra width translates to an awkward pushing stance and extra effort required to push, which is a major deal when all I'm doing is pushing around!

If the goal is CRAZILY exceeded($$$$$), I will buy my girlfriend a new ultra-light carbon fiber wheelchair which will hugely benefit her mobility. :)

It may be unrealistic to anticipate such a large number, but I do not expect anything. I am just trying to be transparent as to what I would do with additonal funds so we're all on the same page. As always, feel free to ask any questions you may have!

 

Why I need to drive.

It is something we all take for granted. It's how we get to work, how we buy groceries, how we do anything in our fast-paced society. Since my accident, I have been in one place for extended periods of time, whether it was the hospital or rehabilitation or my house. I always loved driving and I always considered it a huge part of my life, so it was definitely upsetting to be detached from that part of me.

I want to continue my college education and I do not want to depend on someone else to get me to my campus 45 minutes away. That is a huge burden on people such as my wonderful mother; She does everything for me, and by driving independently I can give her life back as well.

 

How you can help!

I do not want to make it seem like I am desperate for money, so as I always say: please do not feel obligated to contribute! There is no pressure whatsoever. If you are able to give, I am eternally grateful for that contribution. If you do not have the means to do so, Thank you so much for reading about me. Feel free to share this campaign with your friends, every little bit helps! Thanks!

 

As the campaign goes along...

I will be posting periodic update videos showing you the car, describing more about myself, and hopefully talking with some of you!

 

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