Thanks to the generosity of others life has gotten a little easier for a Westlock girl who was robbed of the use of her legs by a rare disease.
It was two years ago when 11-year-old Andrea Nickerson had a sudden onset of transverse myelitis, a rare neurological disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cored, of which paralysis is a common symptom.
Since then, Andrea has not regained use of her legs and remains in a wheelchair.
In March Andrea and her mom Melissa Nickerson began fundraising to help offset the cost of buying a wheelchair van, an expensive and unexpected cost for the family. Last month they were finally able to make the purchase and the level of generosity shown by area residents really touched the family.
“I was speechless,” Melissa said. “There are no words to express how grateful we are and how emotional people get about it.”
At almost every turn the Nickersons came across people who were eager to help.
“My work did so many fundraisers. They did a silent auction, and baskets,” she said. “It’s overwhelming how many people just come together, people you don’t even know are sending money through GoFundMe. It’s really amazing.”
Among those that helped out were the Westlock Elks which kicked in $7,320 from their bingo fund towards Andrea’s van — $2,000 came from the Elks of Alberta.
Melissa said they were blown away by just how much the Elks were able to help.
“The amount was definitely unexpected,” Melissa said. “They were hoping to help us out a bit, but for them to help us out with $7,320 was unexpected. That’s what really helped us get this van.
“It’s just amazing to see that people care about you.”
The Nickersons fundraised just over $27,000, which covered off nearly 90 per cent of the cost of the van.
For Andrea the addition of the van has certainly made things more accessible to her.
“Everything is a lot easier and we can actually go places,” Andrea said.
“It’s things you don’t even think about, just going to the grocery store,” Melissa added. “Her and I can go anywhere now.”
Before the van Andrea had to be carried in and out of the car and into her wheelchair.
Since Andrea’s onset of transverse myelitis the family has faced a lot of logistical hurdles, but have been able to persevere.
“You just keep going,” Andrea said.
Melissa and Andrea said they’re extremely grateful to everyone who stepped up to help and make the van possible.
