Ben Geissler hasn't added a story.

Hi, my name is Ben. I was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 7. DMD as it's also known as affects all of my muscles including my heart and breathing muscles. The doctors told my mom I wouldn't live past 18 years of age, in September I will be 38 years old. Life has been hard over the past 30 plus years, with the progression of the disease, the doctor visits, not being able to walk or move very much, taking heart medication, and then 10 years ago being on a ventilator 24 hours a day. No one ever said life would be easy and I think it has made me a stronger person mentally. They say God doesn't give you more than you can handle, and I believe that. Another thing I have struggled with is transportation; I really need a wheelchair accessible van. I struggle getting to doctors appointment, and I have a lot of those. I can't go see my best friend's new house, or go visit my dad and sisters house. Also I love to help families that have children diagnosed with DMD just to let them know that they are not alone in the fight and that I have been struggling with it 30 years and I am still smiling everyday. I volunteer for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and I can't get to fundraising events because of the lack of a wheelchair accessible vehicle. If I am blessed enough to receive one of these vehicles it would open up so many doors for me and I could help so many more people with my message. Another thing I would really enjoy is going to church, meeting new people and feeling closer to God. I have been invited a few times but I didn't have the transportation. I love being outdoors, I love the warm sun on my face, and I love the birds and the trees. When I was young we would go to the mountains and go camping, I dream about going to the mountains again. I can't end my story without mentioning the great people in my life, I have the greatest mom ever, and she has taken care of me my whole life. My friends and family are the best. A handicapped van would complete me.