(Message from Jennifer Turner)

To Friends, Neighbors, and Community Business Members;

My name is Jennifer Turner and I have been a quadriplegic since age thirteen. I have used a wheelchair nearly twice as long as I walked. Many people in the community are familiar with my red hair and my wheelchair.  I have lived at Barker Mill for many years and grow the Mill Street gardens on city owned land.  I came to the city to live as I was in need of accessible housing, public transportation, and better healthcare.  Being a country girl, I was unfamiliar with the stark scenery found on many city streets.  I complained about the view for a short time and said “I shouldn’t complain about it, if I don’t do something about it”, and so the gardens were born. 

I am no longer able to scoot along the ground, ride a hand cycle, or paddle my kayak, but I still enjoy the many people that stop and see my perennial gardens.  I can shop at Wal-Mart or Hannaford and people I have never met will come up to me and say, “Aren’t you the girl who grows the beautiful gardens on Mill Street ?”  Mill Street no longer meets my needs, though as a young adult it was the perfect haven for a country girl yearning to dig in the dirt amidst the acres of pavement found in city neighborhoods.

 It isn’t often that one faces a situation in their life that will significantly change their well being.  I have been a wheelchair user for many years following an accident and I have always been able to overcome the obstacles I faced with a smile and a push forward.  A little over two years ago, however, I had major tendon surgery on both of my arms, wrists, and fingers leaving me with the inability to transfer into and out of my wheelchair and rotate my wrist to do basic functions of everyday life. Everything from cooking to showering to getting into bed or the bathroom has halted with out the help of friends and family. 

Due to structural constraints, Auburn Housing is unable to make my unit more accessible than it currently is.  I am not able to do even the simplest tasks like open my door to enter or leave my apartment, use the refrigerator, turn on the sink, or use a mechanical lift for transfers.  With out adaptation, I will be forced to seek nursing home placement, which is perhaps the scariest thing I have ever faced.  At 40, relinquishing my independence and giving up a life I have worked so hard to achieve, brings tears to my eyes and sadness to my heart. 

My family has always been supportive of my needs but as my parents age and have continued health problems, they are in no way physically able to take on the care of their adult child.  My medical bills after my accident, a hit and run where the driver was never found, have caused them great financial hardship and they would be unable to help monetarily with a new living situation.  With out a doubt, they would love to surround me in wheelchairs that stand and adaptive equipment to make my life easily livable.  I’m sure they’ve prayed I’d walk again and cried themselves to sleep countless nights knowing they had done their best to provide but somehow it wasn’t enough.  I know they worry about my care, worry I will require nursing home placement, and worry what will happen when they are no longer around. 

Having a home I could live in independently would allow them the knowledge of my well-being, the peace of mind to enjoy a worry free retirement, and the ability to visit not be caregivers.  My parents love me dearly and would do anything in their power to keep me out of nursing home care but as they age, I see the tears in their eyes as they lift me into bed or the shower.  In the short few days a holiday weekend brings, you can see the pain in their eyes and their inability to walk with out a limp.  The years of having a daughter in a chair without housing modifications, has taken its toll as they physically age.  The stress of being the driver, when the accident occurred, has caused creases in my Mom’s skin, guilt in her eyes, and pain in her heart that they could do nothing more.

It has become a reality that I will not be able to live independently with out building a small modest home to meet my needs.  Many people, businesses and organizations have rallied to my aid and are willing to help.  Every one ages and sees their body change but take away the limited use of arms that you do everything with, from navigating your wheelchair to turning on a burner, and crippling disability occurs before gray hair. 

I do believe, with the help of community members like you and others, this will happen.  I have always felt that God doesn’t dish us more than we can handle.  And with the same determination and loving support of my family I have always had I will push forward, smile, and accomplish my needs and dreams.

If you are able to help make my dream come true, my needs a reality, and keep me from permanent nursing home placement, with a donation, no matter how big or small, it would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you very much for your time and consideration.  We look forward to talking with you soon.

Many, Many Thanks.

Jennifer Turner

*********************************************************************************Meet Jennifer's Family on 11/6/07 during her Parent's 40th wedding anniversary!

(Jen is front right)

Jennifer Hand Cycling in 2005 prior to Tendon Damage.

We would also like to offer the following newspaper articles regarding Jennifer and her story:

Auburn council approves lot sale for special home: http://www.sunjournal.com/story/256893-3/LewistonAuburn/Auburn_council_approves_lot_sale_for_special_home/

New Auburn's 'Flower lady' Quadriplegic woman on verge of becoming first-time homeowner: http://www.sunjournal.com/story/255443-3/LewistonAuburn/New_Auburns_Flower_lady_Quadriplegic_woman_on_verge_of_becoming_firsttime_homeowner/

Quadriplegic Woman Hopes for a home still: http://mainehuntingtoday.com/bbb/2008/10/29/quadriplegic-woman-hopes-for-a-home-still/