This is what it's all about.
Dear reader
My name is Valentin, I am 21 years old and live with the rare disease FOP (Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva) since I was born. FOP is regressive and reduces my mobility already in a strong way and it is going to get worse in the future. I am dependent on a wheelchair, because I just can walk a few steps, which needs also much energy.
I got my driving license in December 2022. After that I knew, that I am going to need a bigger car, so that I can go with the wheelchair behind the driving wheel. The insurance for disabled people (it is called «Invalidenversicherung» or «IV») only pays two thirds of the costs, because there is a more inexpensive opportunity (a little car, where I have to drive backwards if I want to leave the car and this car can not be used by another person). Because FOP gets worse it was clear since the beginning that we need a car, that my family can also use, for the case that I can not drive anymore because of my health.
With this appeal I hope that we reach the CHF 10’000 which I need for the renovation.
Best regards
Valentin
Why a car for me?
While other people with FOP had problems with getting the drivers license or a car, I had luck.
For me it is very important to have mobility, because my disability reduces me in many parts of my life: I am disadvantaged when I am searching a job and a car will help me to consider a job or a training which is further away. In my free time I work in different associations, for example in the youth parliament, in an adult education centre or in different project groups, for giving back something to the society. With a car I can do these occupations also in a better and easier way, because I am not dependent on my mother who has to drive me to these places next her work.
My social life is also important for me: My friends give me energy, especially in bad times. I can visit them with a car or can organize a trip with them and show them my gratitude.
And I have regular doctor’s appointments in Spiez and Bern and regular appointments at my physiotherapist in Spiez. I work 30% in Bern, in September I will work 10% with hourly wage in Leissigen and receive from the insurance for disabled people a compensation payment of CHF 1’100.- with this I pay my insurance costs, my subscription for my smartphone and my subscription for public transport (I can use it only for bus travels because I have to call them in advance and tell them that I travel with the wheelchair and not every train-station / bus-station is handicapped accessible).
With this appeal I want to draw attention to the fact that freedom is something very important, which gives me independence and self-determination. My need is to live self-determined and at least not be dependent on someone in one point of my life.
I want to thank you very much if you support this request in a financial way and / or if you share this request in social media and in your community.
This is what I need backing for.
The IV pays CHF 57’446.50, I need to pay CHF 70’898.45 (renovation + car without value-added tax). The renovation costs CHF 12’727.60 (70’898.45 – 58’170 (car)).