Dear Friends,
I am writing this letter to ask for your help. I have spastic cerebral palsy. If I may explain: “palsy” refers to anything wrong with control of the muscles or joints in the body, and “cerebral” alludes to the origin of this condition in the brain. I have limited use of my hands, and I don't see well. Moreover, I cannot walk at all, so the only way I can get around is in a wheelchair.
In 2001 my family was able to get a wheelchair van for me so that I could get around. I don't drive, but if I need to go somewhere, I can usually get someone to drive me in my van. Because of this, I am able to attend college classes, go to doctor’s appointments and go to work at various places. I am also able to be independent with friends. In the summer of 2007 I was able to take my first trip on my own with a friend to Pennsylvania. It gave me a feeling of normalcy, which would not have been possible without my van. I have come to depend on it, and I am not sure what I would do without it.
The van cost $48,000, and my parents have so far made nearly all the payments for it. They have also had to pay quite a lot of money, from time to time, for maintenance and repairs. However, recently my family has fallen on hard times, and we are not able to finish paying the remainder of $5,700. If we cannot pay off the loan, we will have to sell the van and I will lose a big part of my independence. And so I am writing to you to ask for your help in paying the remaining cost of the van. It is very important to me, and I can't fathom being without it. I have always helped others in their time of need, and I will always strive to do so, but now I am hoping that someone will help me.
Steven Normandin
http://steven-normandin.com
steve@steven-normandin.com
sagebr1874@gmail.com