Vrooooom!

On June 23rd, I got the phone call that will profoundly and positively impact my life- I won a brand new, fully converted mobility van! This was one of three vans awarded in a contest that I entered in May. Many, many people  voted throughout the month of May to get me into the top 10% and then an independent panel of judges chose the finalists. I am just stunned at this tremendous gift. This is the work of many hands and I am extremely grateful for everyone's efforts to make this happen.

This van means so much more to me than just transportation. It means more independence and greater opportunity to be more involved with my community and reach out to others in need! With this blessing does come financial responsibilities and I am hoping this blessing does not become a burden. The van I am getting is valued at over $70,000 and since it is a prize, I will have to pay income tax on it at cash value, which will be over $15,000. As they say, "there ain't no free lunch."

But this is a good problem to have!

 I have received so many blessings these past eight years since my onset with TM and I give thanks everyday for those.

With the help of some wonderful people, we are now fundraising and anyone who is able to give, we kindly ask to go to: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/2763

 Prefer to write a check?
Payable to: HelpHOPELive Memo line: In Honor of Cynthia Noonan
Mail to: HelpHOPELive
Two Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road
Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087

Matching gift opportunity! Heartworks, an acts of kindness organization from my hometown, are matching up to $6,000 for all donations made before August 26th!

I plan to use this van to create hope and happiness in other peoples lives so I can pay forward all the gifts I have received.

All donations are tax deductible.

When I won the van, I was flown to Tampa to film segment on a daytime tv show with the winners. You can watch the video here:Tampa Video

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Vote for Cynthia Noonan - Emeryville, CA in the 2015 National Mobility Awareness Month Local Hero contest!

Click here to Vote for Cynthia Noonan - Emeryville, CA in the 2015 National Mobility Awareness Month Local Hero contest!

See ya later 2014...

Posting this belatedly: Although this post is not as upbeat as the usual, I still wanted to share. Quick update- health and strength seem to be slowly improving, for which I am thankful and much relieved, though there is still much work to be done!

 I have to say, I will be glad to part with 2014. There are parts that I will keep and put up on a shelf with cherished memories- the Revolution Ride, watching my friend Molly get married in Montana, and my favorite-getting Freckle the wonder dog from Canine Companions for Independance. Of course there were many smaller moments of love, laughter, joy and triumph and I cherish those moments as they are what sustain me through the darker times, and 2014 had plenty of dark times. It is these moments I wish to forget, but I know that these moments -as painful and terrifying as they have been- have brought me to a place of introspection and, hopefully, growth. As I write this I am still struggling with my biggest back-pedal since my onset of TM. I have had a few set backs over the past few years, but this one has been the harshest and most sustained. For 3 weeks now, my physical abilities have spiraled down to where many easy tasks I used to be able to do (like transfer from my wheelchair to the bed) have become lost. Where did they go, you ask? Hopefully they are just having some down time while I am treating a UTI. I have 2 more days left on my antibiotic, so I'll be done just in time for Christmas. We'll see if a Christmas miracle follows. If not- I'll just keep my head down, spirits up (yes, please!) and count my blessings. I will do my best to not be terrified and to remember that-just like in the quote above- there is a light that will reach us after our darkest times.

Haven't seen Freckle yet? Well, here she is!