I'm writing on behalf of Jonathan Gonzalez, a 24-year-old young man paralyzed by tragedy four years ago, now forced to spend his days in a dark, depressing, state-run nursing facility with little hope of ever leaving. 

Dec. 30, 2006, only steps from the safety of his home, Jonathan was gunned down under a hail of bullets by a faceless coward. Jonathan's mother, blind with fear, raced to her son's lifeless, unresponsive body. Terrified and in pain, she screamed for answers, "How could this happen? Why did this happen?" They never got the answers, and they never caught the shooter. The hopeful, happy life he once knew was destroyed. Jonathan is now a severe quadriplegic, unable to move his limbs again.

Pains me to know that a little more than one month prior (Nov. 7, 2006), Jonathan was joyously celebrating the birth of his first son, Andrew. Jonathan was young but determined to be a good father. Now, 4 years later, in a tragic turn of events, Jonathan barely knows his son. Visitors fade, and people move on, while Jonathan is stuck treading water to keep from drowning.

Jonathan's condition is so severe, and money is so scarce it's unlikely he will ever live outside the confines of the nursing home. He has come to accept his grim reality but is still hopeful. He is optimistic that one day it will be his turn – something good will happen – he just knows it. Currently reading "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frye; he's a thinker and a dreamer. Makes me sad to know how painfully difficult his life is, but I smile at the thought of his courage and determination! 

FACT: Like the other young men at Beth Abe, Jonathan does receive money from the state each month; however, by the time the nursing home takes their fee, he is left with only $55! Simple necessities are impossible. So tragic. He will ALWAYS tread water unless he gets a little help!

Like the other "Boys of Beth Abe," insurance will not pay for a new wheelchair. He is forced to use an old, outdated, barely functioning wheelchair, which drastically limits his already limited movement! 

JONATHAN'S WORDS: "Getting a new wheelchair would help me a lot because it enables me to regain some type of independence for myself. Instead of having people push me around in a regular manual chair, which gets really uncomfortable. My current chair is old and beat up, it's a loaner so it was not made to fit me especially on top and it breaks down all the time. Also batteries die almost instantly and that is a huge pain because I can't go long distances because I'm so afraid of getting stranded. I always need help and a push."

(Need a moment. Wiping tears...)

Thank you for considering Jonathan for a new power wheelchair! Your gift will give Jonathan hope and the independence he so desperately needs. I am forever in your debt for everything you do!