Misty Seeks Vehicle Grant Money For Disabled 16 Year Old Daughter Harley

by Misty
(Independence, MO, USA)

The Best Big Sister

My name is Misty and I am from Independence, Missouri. I am writing this for my 16-year-old daughter Harley.

She was born with Spina Bifida, clubfeet, hydrocephalus, and is paralyzed from the breast down.

Other than her inability to walk, Harley is a normal teenager who wants her freedom from an overprotective mother.

I had Harley when I was 16 years old and to my surprise she was born with Spina Bifida.

My world was instantly upside down, I was terrified. Being a child myself I was not ready for a child let alone one with a disability.

Fortunately I have the best grandmother in the world who supported my fully. She is now Harleys' best friend.

After 16 years with Harley I wouldn't change anything. She is my world, smart, funny, loving and caring. I couldn't ask for a better daughter.

Harley was born with Spina Bifida and other issues. None of Harley's issues were known until then. I was in complete shock and terror.

She spent the first three months of her life in the hospital. Harley has had numerous surgeries to her feet and spine.

She had her left kidney removed about three years ago. We will soon have another surgery to try and make it so she can catheterize herself.

She wants independence more than anything. She tells me she just wishes she were normal.

I can't tell you how many times I have had to walk away and cry. She will be a paraplegic for the rest of her life catheterizing herself every four hours.

Every place we have ever lived is never handicapped accessible. I'm not sure anything can ever really be totally accessible.

The issue I really need help with is a vehicle for Harley. She already has plans to attend the University of Missouri and wants nothing more than to major in journalism.

She seems to have her life planned out and our biggest obstacle is the ability to get her where she needs to go in her electric chair.

I am a medical assistant. I obtained my degree after years of taking care of Harley. In a way I have her to thank. I love helping people.

About two years ago I got a double ear infection that caused bacterial meningitis. I was in a coma for three days and woke up temporarily paralyzed.

I had never really known what Harley went through until then. It was the hardest thing I had ever been through and to think my baby would always have to deal with that.

Mine lasted about two months and hers will last a lifetime. All this left me unable to work and on disability.

It also caused me so many issues that I am really no help to my child. That is the worst of all of this. She no longer has a mom who can pick her up and toss her in the car.

Harley does get SSI and I am currently looking for help in getting Harley a vehicle so she can be independent.

I have researched an SUV type vehicle that would be perfect for her to finish high school and take it to college.

I am really hoping to find a grant to be able to get this vehicle for Harley. I don't think she has ever wanted anything more.

Harley is amazing in every way and if I could I would give her the world. I really need some assistance to make her dream come true.

The day I see my baby drive away in her own car is the day I know I did everything I could to make her life a little easier.