Can you guys help me win a wheelchair van?

[crossbred900]

I've been nominated into a local hero contest to win a new wheelchair van that I really need. If any of you can take the time to read my story (or skip that part) and vote for me every day in May, I'd really appreciate it. Clicking the get extra vote link and answering the question will even make your vote count twice. I actually have brain surgery again for the study mentioned in the story tomorrow morning, so thanks in advance to anybody that does this this week before I'm recovered and back online. Also, please share this anywhere you can.

http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/nathan-copeland-dunbar-pa/

[BadMouth]

Voted.  Put in my bookmarks toolbar at work to vote daily.
Having to log in is going to turn off a lot of people.

[crossbred900]

Thanks a lot man, every vote counts. I'm in the process of doing something to get 1000 extra votes, and I only need to get in the top 10% to win one of the 4 vans. It's very appreciated.

[lilshawn]

as someone who struggled to pay out of pocket to buy an accessible van last year, I know how ridiculously expensive they are...even for just a "base" model. I literally had bottle drives to try and raise funds.

People no idea how something as simple as being able to get in a car and go someplace you want/need to is...except, when you can't do it.

Votes 


Side note, any idea how close to the top you are or is that all kept secret until the end??

[pbj]

I'm happy to vote for you.  I probably know a few of the scientists you're working with at UPitt. 

Good luck.

 

[crossbred900]

as someone who struggled to pay out of pocket to buy an accessible van last year, I know how ridiculously expensive they are...even for just a "base" model. I literally had bottle drives to try and raise funds.

People no idea how something as simple as being able to get in a car and go someplace you want/need to is...except, when you can't do it.

Votes 


Side note, any idea how close to the top you are or is that all kept secret until the end??

Thanks. I know someone had 15,000, but you cant see a leaderboard. I'm just glad you can win with the top 10%

Thank you all

[Well Fed Games]

Voted. Had a good friend with a lift van that didn't start half the time. Needless to say going out to lunch was always an adventure until he got a new one. Best of luck to you.

[BadMouth]

Keep in mind this is one of those things where you can vote once a day if so inclined.
Answer the question to get a second vote each day.

I added it to my bookmarks toolbar at work.  At some point during the day I'll notice it.

[BadMouth]

I've hit a bad streak of getting the simple questions wrong.   
sorry.

[pbj]

I've hit a bad streak of getting the simple questions wrong.   

Glad (?) to hear I'm not the only one!

Keep those votes rolling in, people.

[crossbred900]

I actually missed the last two.    Yesterday's I didn't agree with, today's I spaced on.

[Typefighter01]

Voted...good luck.

[BadMouth]

Looks like voting is closed.

Have you gone through everyone else's page to figure out how you did?
(I don't see an easier way)

[lilshawn]

got'er up to 4,242. not half bad at all.

here's hoping you are one of the top 4 

[crossbred900]

Thanks again guys. I don't feel like spending hours going through everybody's votes, so I'll wait and see. Winners should be announced in a few weeks.

[Slippyblade]

Final vote count was 4242?  Well there's the answer right there, in duplicate!

[crossbred900]

I was notified I am a semi-finalist, so now I just have to wait with my fingers crossed.

[Slippyblade]

We're all rooting for ya!  Good luck!

[DaOld Man]

I was notified I am a semi-finalist, so now I just have to wait with my fingers crossed.

 

[lilshawn]

I was notified I am a semi-finalist, so now I just have to wait with my fingers crossed.

awesome! one step closer! 

[pbj]

one step closer!

[lilshawn]

hey! I'm excused for "cripple" jokes, My daughter is in a wheelchair. 

it's like the black people only being able to say....well... i'm not black... so... yeah 

[Vigo]

one step closer!

  Being local to Blue Cross Blue Shield MN, I was pretty darn sick of the "You're nothing but fat, unhealthy ---daisies---" ad campaign that took a piss on people with legitimate medical issues. That photo is gold.


crossbred900, good luck with the semifinals! 

[Slippyblade]

I am SO going to hell for laughing at that picture...

[crossbred900]

One last thanks for everyone that voted for me to win a van. I didn't win but there's always next year, and I'll have a more incredible story to post (I should be able to talk about the secret robot arm research study by then)

[lilshawn]

(I should be able to talk about the secret robot arm research study by then)

you should see the super secret robot legs research my daughter was doing. Some crazy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- there man. 

[BadMouth]

Kind of odd that every single winner is female.....
http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/local-heroes/2015-winners/

[crossbred900]

A lot of people notice that.

[DaOld Man]

Sorry you didn't win man.
Maybe you need to do a kick starter thing, Im sure lots of us on here would kick in a few bucks.

[lilshawn]

There are piles of charities that will donate funds to purchase mobility equipment.

we had about 1/2 the cost of our van (about 30,000 worth) covered through charities like the President's choice foundation and the children's ability fund. big companies like walmart like to show they care by donating to these charities.

also check out SPECIFIC disability charities may be able to help you. (brain injury society, quadriplegia society, etc.)

there were some charities that WANTED to help us, but my daughter's specific disability (Cerebral Palsy) did not fit the pre-chosen and outlined scope of the disabilities they would help.

also note too as well, once you DO purchase a WC van, often you can claim a portion of it as tax deductible or as a medical expense. your specific government may have a specific modified vehicle tax break or deduction.

in canada it save you 5000 worth of tax free income and also if you live in B.C. it qualifies you for a 25% discount on your basic vehicle insurance. and (i've just learned) in canada, you can apply for a partial refund of the federal excise tax on gasoline you purchase for that vehicle.

every little bit helps

[crossbred900]

i have been considering doing a fundraiser in the near future. Hopefully I get the time to do all the research soon. It sucks though when I come across charities that would be perfect if you were a minor or have a job. I received this link in the email telling me I didn't  win https://helphopelive.org/supportforinjury. I met some people from DARPA (they fund my study), APL (they build the robot arms), and the Air Force last week. They were more than pleased with how things are going so far. The main DARPA coordinator told me to let him know if I ever need anything, so at the very least I will have a newly expanded contact network through him More hopefully though a fundraiser would open up a way for the organizations to help me out without falling into the "you can't bribe people to stay in your study" territory. Honestly though, if I had money, I would pay them to let me do this stuff. I will really miss it when I'm done. Lots of research to do, then I'll definitely put the links up here when it happens.

[lilshawn]

it can be a lot of fun being a "guinea pig" because not only do you help yourself, the doctors, researchers...you eventually help other people by proving this is a viable thing.

Leanne is only 9 this year and some of the things we've volunteered for...

the "robot legs" study.
alternative input devices for computers/robots/cars.
training for new physiotherapists.

at about 3 1/2 years old she proved that younger people have the cognitive ability to control devices. She was driving a power wheelchair at 4 years old...the youngest person they have ever seen or even had considered trying. They had to actually order her a special powerchair to fit her because they normally never even thought to try kids younger than 7 or 8 since that was the fit for the normal "smallest" size.

Even when she goes in for surgery she always allows the doctors and nurses to bring trainees along, Even asking if she's going to be bringing more people. She loves that she's helping other people.

Guinea pigging for the government can open lots of doors for funding, especially with the mainstream forces like the air force, and army. If anything just outright ask the DARPA coordinator if he knows of any funding available to help pay for a modified van. I'm sure if he doesn't, he will find someone who does. They are "that way" if you know what I mean.

Governments are not particularly forthcoming with funding...going so far as to not offer you anything, not tell you anything, and bury any info regarding it. So unless you know about it, and specifically ask for it, you won't get it. (which is really annoying to me, but i get it, they want to save money)

But having an inside like your DARPA coordinator, he can find out and let you know... and then you can apply for it.