#WheelsForChristine – A Trauma Survivor Triumphs

In 2007, Christine Kent was paralyzed from the waist down when she was viciously attacked by a stalker who shot her and left her for dead. “He did not break my spirit,” said Christine. “I resolved to find meaning in my life by being there for other people who need a helping hand.”

Along with coping with the physical and emotional challenges of the trauma she faced, Christine would need a modified vehicle to obtain “the freedom, flexibility, and reliability to be there for the people counting on me.” The problem? Insurance refused to cover the cost of a wheelchair-accessible van.

Christine began fundraising with the nonprofit Help Hope Live with social media-compatible fundraising tools, including an online campaign page to collect tax-deductible donations, and
custom event materials, including flyers and tickets to promote fundraisers, all backed by one-on-one fundraising help. Christine rallied her in-person and online communities under the
hashtag #WheelsForChristine — and in April, she shared some exceptional news on Facebook:

“I purchased a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica completely modified with hand controls and 6-way seat transfers from MobilityWorks of Fort Lauderdale, and it is absolutely amazing. THANK YOU for helping me to reach my goal with your donations at fundraiser events and via my #WheelsForChristine campaign
through Help Hope Live!”

Christine’s mobility purchase instantly unlocked greater independence and a renewed capacity to serve as a lifeline for other members of her SCI community: “I have already given another wheelchair user a ride,” she said. “It was a great feeling to help someone else in need.”

See how Christine infuses her fundraising campaign with social media savvy by checking out #WheelsForChristine on Facebook and searching for Christine D Kent at www.helphopelive.org.

If you’d like to learn more about fundraising with Help Hope Live for mobility essentials, visit www.helphopelive.org or call 800.642.8399.