Do you remember what it was like when you got your first set of wheels? The excitement of the independence you felt, being able to go wherever you wanted. Whether it was that first Hot Wheels muscle car, or the beat-up hatchback handed down the line from one sibling to the next, cars give us a sense of freedom.
At one point or another, we’ve all probably owned or
driven a car that was not at its peak performance and felt anxious, wondering
if it was going to start one more time to get us home from work. Conversely,
the comfort and security you feel when we take our loved ones in a reliable car
on that much-needed family vacation is often worth the extra money required.
Our family needs your assistance right now to help my
brother, Justin, secure his family and give them the security of a reliable
vehicle that can meet his particular needs. That’s why we’re holding a yard
sale and silent auction, October 20, 2012 in Salt Lake City.
If you don’t know, our older brother Justin had a stroke,
which led to a brain aneurysm on October 7th 2007 – nearly five years ago. After
an extensive hospital stay and intensive rehabilitation, Justin, his wife Donna
and daughter Lilly have made remarkable strides and enjoy many blessings of
life. Justin’s injury confined him to a motorized wheelchair and he is still
paralyzed on his left side.
His family was able to get a used van with a mechanized
lift built in, so the family could get around town. Over the years, however,
repairs and other issues with both the van and the lift have left it pretty
unreliable. Even when working, the size of the vehicle and Justin’s motorized
chair cause him to ride reclined, with his face staring at the ceiling. The
interior, while workable, was not crafted with a wheelchair in mind, and is in poor
shape from the wear-and-tear. While grateful for the vehicle they had and not
complaining, Justin’s family is in need of more reliable transportation to help
the family regain some of their independence.
So here’s where we can all chip in to give that zoom-zoom
back to Justin and his family. We need a muscle car-like effort to raise funds
to buy a reliable van for Justin. One that will meet the needs of Justin’s
chair, allow him to look out at the road ahead, and allow those assisting him
to do so with greater ease.
We will be having a yard sale at 1117 South 700 East in
Salt Lake City to raise funds for Justin’s new vehicle. Through the yard sale
and other donations, we have a goal to raise $15,000.
We are asking for monetary donations however small or
large, home donations for the yard sale, or donations of products or services
for the silent auction held the same day. For the yard sale, think of what you
could clear out of the house to do some good for someone else. For the auction,
think professionally, i.e. what do you do for work that could be donated or
auctioned off – a discount on a software purchase? A set of nice headphones?
Concert tickets? A side of beef? A decent road bike? All the proceeds will be going to help Justin’s family.
Whether you know Justin or not, we hope that you will be
able in a way to help him and his little family be safe and confident as they
travel the roads and give Justin a sense of independence.
Please feel free to contact us by leaving a comment or at justinontheroadagain@gmail.com if you have any
concerns or questions. We have been so impressed by the love that has been shown
to Justin and his little family so far and thank you all. Feel free to forward
this blog on to anyone who knows Justin or his family, or anyone who might
want to help.
Sincerely,
The Hargreaves Family
