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Heidi Veronika Gersten hasn't added a story.
To All Concern:
Good day to you!
It's been quite some time since I've asked for help on this platform, around 4 years.
On this day, over 4, nearly 5 decades ago, I was born.
Celebrate with me on my birthday by helping me with this campaign to raise funds for a much needed new wheelchair on my journey to walking again.
Anything and everything helps!
You may remember at the time of my last posting that I was in a
catastrophic vehicle collision with an impaired EMT that caused the
collision that resulted in paralyzing me.
Since this life changing event occurred, I've managed to become
more independent. With the support of family and friends, I am in a
much better place than I was over 5 years ago.
I witnessed the impaired EMT plead guilty to a reckless driving
charge and receive a penalty of $440 over my objections and demand to
have this case go into General Sessions Court and out of Magistrates
Court, where he would be charged with great bodily injury in addition
to the DUI he was initially charged with, rather than the
fore-mentioned plea deal he was offered and accepted in settling his
DUI charge.
I watched him voluntarily plead guilty to a reckless driving charge.
After the judge sentenced him, the judge got off the bench and
hugged me. That moment of compassion will stay with me in my heart
and soul for always.
The law can be complicated and many times is, as in this case,
nonsensical, unreasonable and lacking in common sense.
Everyone in the room that day expressed empathy and remorse for
what happened to me, including the impaired EMT.
I cried during the entire 2 hour hearing.
When I faced the impaired EMT, I saw the sorrow and regret in
his eyes for what he had done and for what had happened to me. I'm no
longer angry at him. I forgive him. I understand that he made a mistake.
I'm angry at a system that permits a victim to receive less
rights than the perpetrator.
I'm angry at a set of words on a piece of paper that defines the outcome of a life impacting decision, without the spirit of the law in doing the right thing in the moment, in gross misinterpretation of these words written.
I'm angry that there is such a thing as a 'plea deal'. I've
always disagreed with this. Permitting a negotiation to a lesser
charge without equal protection of a jury trial for a victim and
permitting a charged individual with a criminal act to hold the option
to lessen his negligence in order to settle, without the approval of
the victim, thwarts public policy, in my opinion.
In the first few years after being paralyzed, I was vigorously pursuing rehab and not court. I blew through my entire savings at the chance to simply walk again with expensive therapy. At one point, I was spending over $2000 a week, between caregivers, trainers, therapy and holistic doctors.
The impaired EMT's insurance accepted liability however offered me $5000 plus $15,000 in punitive damages. This was about 5% of the policy limits and unacceptable for me. I demanded tendering of the full limits which was denied. This is one of the reasons why I'm in court. I counted on that money. The limits certainly weren't anywhere near the amount to justify what happened however I mapped out a strategic plan of several years that I believed would have me back on my feet with that money.
I also had other insurance policies that failed to pay me the
benefits of indemnification that I bargained, paid and contracted for.
These insurance companies have colluded to defend themselves
against paying me.
I chose to exhaust all legal remedies and all at once the outstanding progress of recovery I was making ended.
No money, no honey.
I'm here today because I'm in need of a new wheelchair. I
attached photos of my current one that is falling apart.
Purchased used on eBay over 5 years ago before I learned about the importance of using a wheelchair fitted to my needs and conditions. I've been using the incorrect one for all of these years.
The wheelchair I'm currently using has bald tires. The brakes are held together with a rubber band. The backrest is gone due to irreparable damage. There are screws missing. The front right tire is makeshifted on. The seat cushion cover is ripped and is no longer capable of staying on.
I would like the Panthera wheelchair, (pictured below). It was designed by a wheelchair user and is the lightest model on the market costing $10,000. It weighs less than 5lbs.
My second choice would be a Colours wheelchair, (pictured
below), It costs under $4000.
I will gladly accept a donation of a comparable used model that
fits my needs and conditions from anyone.
An alternative is to fix the motor on my electric Permobil that
blew on this past New Year's Eve while I was in it crossing a street.
Firemen rescued me. It's $1000 to fix with a one month warranty.
I forgot to mention the wound. I obtained a secondary
complication common to paralysis defined as a 'pressure wound'. I got
it from transferring from my chair 6 months after being paralyzed. It
is located on my left buttocks. At one point it was measured at
6" length and width and equally as deep. I'm happy to report
that it is now barely the depth of the size of a q'tip head with a
size of length and width of less than 1/4". It's so close to
being closed. Having the wound has prevented me from sitting down for
more than a few hours at a time due to its precarious location.
I've learned to have a lot of patience.
History has shown that I'm worthy of your help. I'm reaching out because I don't know what else to do. I've been leaning on the same people for all of these years. This takes an army, tribe or village. Consider helping.
I remember everything you have done for me.
You are the reason this fierce warrior is still soldiering on.
God bless you!
Thank you again for your support and understanding.
Let today be full of happiness, love and gratitude!
Heidi Veronika
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUeuXT853MU&feature=youtu.be
Please copy and past the above link. I'm still navigating through the technological world in an attempt to overcome the challenges of AI flagging my account and blocking access to anyone attempting to see my story including video that I may post. Let me know if you have difficulties accessing anything I post or making a donation or contribution. Here's my address in the event you prefer to send a check, money order or cash.
Mail it to: Heidi Veronika Gersten at 1438 W. Lantana Rd., #330, Lantana FL 33462
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