About us
Our family story
Welcome to our family fundraiser. My son and I are raising the funds needed for a reliable vehicle to get us both to our medical appointments. It would mean we no longer have to keep rescheduling because medical transportation can't cross the state line, or because a friend's plans change. It would also get us to and from emergency room visits without depending on others for rides.
My son
My name is Bernard. I am 61 years old, a disabled, divorced father who has been raising my son, now 13, since 2016. He became diabetic in 2022. In 2023, in the 3rd grade, he had about 10 episodes of unresponsiveness at school and was rushed to emergency rooms. He was admitted twice at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh and had a couple of EEGs, but they came back negative because they didn't last long enough to capture anything.
In September 2026 he became unresponsive again at school after belly pain. It lasted about an hour before he could start talking and become alert at the hospital. The emergency room in St. Clairsville referred him for an EEG and seizure testing in Morgantown, WV. His first appointment was October 15, 2026, and a new EEG is scheduled for November 10, 2026, to try to rule out epilepsy. The episodes seem to be getting worse and lasting longer than when he was in the 3rd grade.
My own health
I've had ongoing medical issues since my late 20s and went on disability in 2018. In May 2026 I was diagnosed with high-grade esophageal dysplasia, a precancerous condition with a high risk of progressing to invasive adenocarcinoma. I had endoscopic resection, radiofrequency ablation and cryotherapy on July 23, 2026, and a second treatment on September 19, 2026.
The next step is surgery on December 22, 2026, to remove the damaged part of my esophagus and attach the remaining portion to my stomach. It's a couple of hours away in Morgantown, WV, the only place in my area with a doctor trained to perform it.
What we have faced
Transportation has been a barrier for our family since 2012.
Medical travel
Our insurance transportation plan covers up to 30 round trips a year within Ohio only. Since January 2026 it won't cross the state line, just 17 miles away.
Reliable support
Our town has no city buses and no local taxis. The nearest taxi is 17 miles away, and its fares are beyond our income with so many appointments each month.
Ongoing needs
Since 2012 I've at times walked 1 to 3 miles to reach an emergency room or doctor's office for my child or myself.
Our limited income
I live on $994.00 a month in disability, which isn't enough to save for a vehicle. Most of my close family has passed on, so every bit of help means so much.
Every gift helps
This fundraiser is centered on transparency and gratitude. Your support moves us closer to a reliable vehicle for essential medical appointments.
Thank you for your time and support! Please share this page if you can.