*(Updated January 2011)*
Just looking for help for my Mom & yes also for myself. Have tried & tried beyond means to keep working but my medical issues are getting to be such that I can't work anymore. I had fought my doctor wanting to put me on disability for some time, but I'm really tired & sickly. I try keeping busy on occasion with some volunteer work; I've got to get out sometime & do something! I share a place with my Mom for financial reasons, but I'd sure like to be able to help out more. She's on disability herself but also does a bit of volunteer work. I'm not sure what all I can request here but any help would be greatly appreciated! A decent home, furniture, car, etc.
We would love to buy a home, but our credit situation is pretty grim (medical bills, student loans). As many know, renting gets old real fast. Our greatest wish is to find a nice duplex if at all possible, but a nice home in a decent area certainly would be a blessing. If someone would just give us a chance! We desparately need to move.... We aren't city folks anymore, & just being uncomfortable here is the least of our problems. Our house just isn't safe. Our landlord is like many; not enough time to fix this house, but always wants that rent on time. We are terrified that the large hollow tree across the street is going to fall on our house. Parts of it break off every year, & in Oct. 2009 I was nearly killed when a chunk of it broke off & landed not 10 ft from where I sat on the porch. Ripped my power lines (& a neighbor's) right off my house! We NEED out of this house before one or both of us gets hurt!
Now, I stay online almost constantly searching for grants & any other source of funding I might be eligible for. My credit sucks mostly because of nedical bills (10 surgeries in nearly as many years). But I also made some bad financial decisions with my education & was always so eager for those student loans that I overloaded myself. The loans have been forgiven for now but my credit still stinks of course. For the most part, alot of these places that say they have missing money for you, or can get you a grant, etc... many always want money. And hey, I'd pay the fee to those that checked out but neither of us have the fees to pay! But yet, I still search & will continue to do so. Again, if someone would just give us a chance!
Mobility is also an issue; neither of us can walk very well. We both use a cane but we also each have a walker, rollator & power chair, however we can only use the power chairs at home, due to not having any way to transport them. I've been on a site called Free Charity Cars, trying to hopefully get a wheelchair-accessible van or most any type of otherwise modified vehicle (car, truck, etc.).
You know, all any of us can do in these times is pray.... Please pray for my Mom & myself, & I will certainly do the same for you--whomever you are. Again, any help is certainly appreciated. I also appreciate just having a place like this to ask & am glad others can ask also. Thank you!
Take care, & God Bless!
NOTE: As of Oct. 21, 2009, my doctor has finally decided 2 put me in a wheelchair. But that's ok tho because I've accepted it & have had enough. I can barely walk, my back & legs have finally betrayed me, & I've been in the most horrible back pain ever (looking at spinal surgery - again). I was always against being in a wheel chair, because just like all my docs have said, you start 2 lose muscle tone once you get in a chair. There must be exercises... Anyway, I've called the local Disability Network & the ramp prices are outreageous. I did see a nice power wheel chair at a local pawnshop... My caseworker says I should be able 2 get a wheelchair thru Medicare, etc., but it may take some time. I haven't any... That 'time'... I've run out; I need a power chair! My Mom suggested a scooter, which would be great, but I need the back support that a chair offers.
If any1 has any advice, suggestions, comments... Feel free. Even if just 2 chat...
MDA assists individuals with obtaining durable medical equipment through its national equipment loan program and referrals to community resources. 
To the extent feasible and when available, the program provides good-condition recycled wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment medically prescribed in relation to an individual’s neuromuscular disease. This includes shower chairs, hospital beds, patient lifts, walkers and canes, communication devices and similar equipment.
