Tuesday, January 29, 2013

A Chariot for our Princess

A great opportunity has been presented to us, and I have decided to right a post about it here to help explain and give a clear picture of our (Sadie's) need.

I know a bit ago I put blogged about all the "Angels" in our lives and all the blessings we have been on the receiving end of over the past year. Each of those who have helped us in some way, have truly been an answer to prayer for us. So, this is with a humbled heart that I am sharing this with you and asking you to consider helping us in this specific way.

We have been blessed beyond measure. Never have we ever been a family that has lived on one income. We did not think it possible. However, due to Sadie's extensive health issues, it was clearly in her best interest for me to become a full time stay at home mom for her.  With lots of sacrifice and intentional saving and thrifting and blessings by others along the way, God has given us exactly what we need.

As some of you may know, in the next month or two, our Princess will be getting her new "wheels".  That's right, Sadie will be getting a very fancy wheelchair.

This wheelchair comes with mixed emotions for Nick and I.  It will certainly make Sadie more comfortable when we are "out and about" with her, giving her support in all the right places.  The stroller she has been using, although a good one, certainly does not lend her support where she needs it to sit comfortably. 

The wheelchair will also allow her to ride the bus for school. She will start going to school at the return from spring break.  This also overwhelms me with a flood of emotions, that I try to not think about now....

The wheelchair is a necessity to give her the quality of life she deserves.

Her chair will weigh approximately 70 pounds.  It does not "fold up".  It will not lie down.  You can take it apart, but only to a point.  It also has to last her for approximately 6+ years, so taking it apart isn't advisable as it only adds wear and tear to it.

Currently Sadie still rides in a rear facing car seat, which is also not comfortable for her to ride in for long periods of time, nor is it easy on our backs getting her in and out of.

Because of this, we are faced with the new reality that we need to purchase a wheelchair accessible van to accommodate Sadie's new chair.  In a van, that will allow Sadie to ride comfortably in her wheelchair and no longer rear facing in a car seat.

For those who have never looked, these are quite expensive.  We'd say ridiculously expensive.  To purchase an "older" one with many miles on it, will cost you nearly $15-25,000.  There is alot to be considered when purchasing a van like this, as it has to be reliable (the last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road) and the lift put in is probably the most important part, as not all lifts can be serviced locally. 

With this new mountain coming before us, we have been approached by a friend who has very kindly offered to head up a fundraiser for us, so we can purchase a good/used wheelchair accessible van.  We certainly intend on selling our truck (very sad over this), but the reality is, this will be a very difficult purchase for us to do alone.  so, we are looking to our friends.  We are looking to those who know our Princess and who have loved her, who have prayed for her, who have been touched by her warrior perseverance, who have heard her story and know just how purposeful God had for her life, for those who don't know her, but who are willing to help....

The goal of this fundraiser is to reach 4,000 people who would be willing to donate $5.00 and complete it in the month of February.  So, from February 1 - 28 we are praying that this will go "viral" and that people would be encouraged to skip that morning Starbucks, or perhaps a drive thru lunch,  and help us purchase a new Chariot for Our Princess.

We know that Sadie is loved by MANY and her life has touched each of you and more.  Praying that you will consider donating in this way, to help us give her the best...which is what she deserves!

An account called "SADIE'S CHARIOT FUND"  has been set up at Chemical Bank. All donations can be dropped off to any Chemical Bank Branch, or mailed to;

Chemical Bank
5980 Lake Michigan Dr.
Allendale, MI 49401

Attn: Conni/Sadie's Chariot Fund






 

Check's will need to be written to Audrey Beute and/or Sarah Butterfield, and put "SADIE'S CHARIOT FUND" in the memo line of the check, or enclose a with a note so it is appropriately deposited into the correct account.

Blessings to all of you for all of your prayers and support of our Princess Sadie!

We also encourage you to send out a link to this blog so many will hear our story (her story) and be moved as well.

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