January 17, 2014

"Freedom For Donna" Finds a New Home!

Many of you know the story of my friend Donna Bell, a quadriplegic artist with the simple dream of being able to visit New Orleans in her lifetime.  This trip and the even more humble goal of being able to do anything outside of her home depends upon Donna getting a good handicapped-accessible van. We are proud to announce that, as of January 2014, the good people at the HelpHOPELive Foundation have agreed to help Donna organize this fundraising effort, including the actual purchase and delivery of the van. Please make note of our new web site at www.FreedomForDonna.org. Come visit today, learn more about Donna’s dream and help us get the numbers needed to make that dream a reality.

Donna was in a tragic car accident on June 28th 1979 leaving her a C-3 C-4 quadriplegic. She was only 15 at the time of the wreck which broke her neck leaving her unable to move from the shoulders down for the past 34 years. Doctors told her she would never walk again. 

It wasn't until age 21, six years after the accident that a talent emerged where there was once none. "Before the accident, I always wanted to draw but I couldn't even trace well with my hands. This is a true gift.”, said Donna. She has had no formal art training yet now draws and crochets using only her mouth. Donna has a collection of her artwork on her Facebook fan page if you would like to see it. 

Donna has never had a power wheelchair, nor a Custom Handicapped Van with a lift, required to transport a heavy chair like that in the 34 years since her accident. For 34 years, her family has had to lift her in and out of standard vehicles. 

What now for Donna? In time with the spreading of her story and helping to raise awareness of not only her disability but many others, she will be in a new custom van and power wheelchair which will help her and her family tremendously. 

To help with the cost of these and other uninsured medical expenses, a fundraising campaign in Donna’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. In 2000, they expanded their mission to include those who have sustained a catastrophic injury. All contributions are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the [Fund Region] Spinal Cord Injury Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for injury-related expenses only. 

Please consider helping Donna realize this dream and improving her quality of life by joining our “Freedom For Donna” cause and contributing to her HelpHOPELive fundraising campaign? Your donation is greatly appreciated.


Make checks payable to HelpHOPELive and please note in the memo section: In honor of Donna Bell.

Please send mail to: 
HelpHOPELive
2 Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087

For credit card contributions, please call 1.800.642.8399 or visit www.FreedomForDonna.org.
Thank you for helping!

Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. This campaign is administered by HelpHOPELive, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing fundraising assistance to transplant and catastrophic injury patients. Information: 1.800.642.8399.










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