Johnny needs wheels

On 20 of July 2021, my husband John was admitted to MM hospital after suffering acute paralysis and loss of bladder control. John had been suffering from pain in his back for 3 months and had not been able to lie flat. He had broken his ribs as the result of a car accident in March . Doctors believed this was the cause of his back pain and said he just needed to give his body time to heal.

Unknown to John and medical professionals John's spine was being attacked by a rare spinal infection. This infection is rare there are only 27 cases world-wide where people have become paralyzed. This fungal infection caused an abscess to form and the abscess put pressure on his spinal cord causing permanent damage and paralysis.

We desperately need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle in order to attend ongoing appointments and weekly physiotherapy. I am John's primary caregiver, looking after him is a full-time job. I have had to quit my other part-time jobs and our income is only 35K per year. We are managing to make this work but there is no extra money left to use for transporting John, Even with half-price funded taxis, a trip to the spinal unit is $170 which we cannot afford. John's Physical condition has deteriorated since coming come due to not being able to leave Waiuku for medical treatments.

Unfortunately, his paralysis is not covered by Acc, and under public health, we receive the bare minimum of help. A lot of basic medical supplies are not funded eg: sterile gloves so we have to buy all of this as well.

We have found a Vehicle already kitted out for a wheelchair that has been offered to us to buy for 20K, this vehicle will be the difference between the quality of life and merely existing for John and Myself. We are currently only able to shop in Waiuku or online. not being able to visit his elderly mother in Papakura has impacted negatively on John

Being able to not just go to medical appointments, but also to be able to drive to see family and friends will be life-changing for us. I'm trying really hard to help John stay positive and not view his paralysis as a death sentence. He still has a lot to offer and being able to freely travel around will help so much in and give him the motivation he needs to continue moving forward in his life.