So fundraising is a touchy subject. Accepting charity is a real challenge for me. I like to make things happen and asking for help feels like I’m not capable of doing this alone. Well it turns out I am totally incapable of doing this alone and I need al lot of help. Everyone seems to have an opinion as to what they think I should or should not be doing with this fate. It’s tough to sift through all this advice and very humbling to have to accept and need it. I told myself when I first got hurt that I wouldn’t make any decisions about my future until the 24 month healing window had passed. When 2 years came I was still getting better so it was tough to put aside moving forward with therapy. Since I had not accomplished my goals yet I figured while I still had the opportunity I would try as much as I could.
I tried everything I could gets my hands on. Every form of therapy within reasonable distance from San Diego to Los angles got at least a commando visit by myself and what ever care giver was with me at the time. In the past there have been questions as to where all this fundraiser money goes. With GOD as my witness I make the greatest promise I know how with full integrity, that I have dedicated my whole being with every resource I can find towards healing spinal cord injury. Sometimes that means you guys help me with gas, groceries and bills (therapy, medical and domestic). I’d like to offer a VERY SPECIAL THANKS to those who have helped me with RENT and TRANSPORTATION specifically.
But you have also made it possible for me to take people who help me free of charge to lunch. You have picked up the dinner tab for families I mentor when I go into hospitals where fear is at an all time high. Your time, effort and prayers have been well received as your investment in me is paying off. With your help I have been able to fulfill my Purpose in also helping other people. This has got to be why we are here, to help each other. It feels so good and I am so honored to be in this position.
As I mentioned in another section of this site, I wrote a plan for a business that involved a beta program. This beta program is currently being conducted at the Neuro Muscular Connection in Costa Mesa California. Right now in the beginning phases of this business I am simply a client, or test subject if you will. When we secure grand funding for this next phase of this project we are carving out a job description as to how I can help grow this exciting new approach towards holistic healing in the spinal cord injury community. Until then all the fundraising that I’m doing keeps food in my belly, bills paid, lights on, my caregiver shows up on time ect.
I’m not exactly partying, I’ve got my nose down and I’m focused on getting work done. I really don’t want to have to rely on charity money anymore, I want to earn my keep. But for the time being patience and healing is my mantra. I’m not the best at this patience thing so it’s got me at the ege of my seat. Once I have a secure income, I plan to continue fundraising as I have already looked into a non profit business to filter funds through to help others as you have all helped me. We’re doin it everyone! Were changing things together in a big way. Thank you and GOD bless!
DONATE
There are a number of ways you can donate 2 help our cause!!! Personal checks can be mailed to:
The Damien Minna Fund
26441 Via Gaviota
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
-or-
Donate via PayPal with a credit card or OnLine check
TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATIONS
can be mailed to (personal or corporate):
NTAF Southwest Spinal Cord Injury Fund
150 N. Radnor Chester Road Suite F120
Radnor, PA 19087
** In honor of Damien Minna (note in memo section)**
Credit card contributions can be made by calling NTAF at 800.642.8399 or visithttp://www.transplantfund.org
Any donations made for $250 or more will receive a receipt from NTAF for tax purposes. If you have any further questions about donating or upcoming fundraisers please contact my fundraising Angels:
Vicky Minna
949.770.9470
dminna1@cox.net
-or-
Debbie Wagner
949.589.1129
rwagner11@cox.net
CURRENT PERSONAL EXPENSES $$
Not that it’s anyone’s business how I spend my money, but this website is all about doing things together. Seeing how it’s your donations that have helped me so much to this point, I figure its good form to show you where your dollars are going. Since I consult families that have to deal with the shock of a freshly injured spinal cord, some of these numbers might be very helpful.
Rent - 2500
Therapy - 100hr x 8hrs = 800wk / 3200mo
Cable - 150
Water - 100
Electric - 100
Trash - 50
Gas - 50
Food - 150 wk / 600mo
Cell - 100
Gas (car) - 300
Car Insurance - 150
Medical Insurance - 300
Misc (medication, doctor, dentist) - 150wk / 600mo
TOTAL EXPENSES
8,200 mo / 98,400 yr
CARE GIVER
2000mo* 24,000yr
*covered by the state but might change once I make an income
APPROX DEBT = 90,000
School - 40,000
Medical - 20,000
Project Walk - 18,000 -> to collections 22,000
Polfit - 8,000
LEGEND:
Orange – Currently paid for by The Big Lebowski (unnamed philanthropist)
Green – Paid for by Faith, Family and Friends
Blue – Paid for by the state of California
Red – Outstanding debt