Help me keep moving forward.

My name is Rui Bernardino, I'm from Coimbra, and I have a progressive disease. I need an adapted van to maintain my independence, work, be with my family, and continue to live with dignity. Every bit of help counts 🙏

Help me keep moving forward.

My name is Rui Bernardino and I live in Coimbra. I have Friedreich's ataxia, a rare, genetic and progressive disease that has been gradually transforming my way of life.

Over time, I've had to constantly adapt: the loss of mobility, the need for an electric wheelchair, and the inevitable changes in my routine. Each phase brings new challenges—but also a choice: to give up… or to keep fighting.

I choose to fight.

I strive to maintain my autonomy and quality of life, not only in my daily needs, but also in what truly gives meaning to my life.

I have a great passion for chess, which challenges me, motivates me, and keeps my mind active. Being able to travel to participate in tournaments is, for me, more than a hobby—it's a way to stay present, connected, and active.

Furthermore, I need to travel regularly to Lisbon, where I work at PLANAPP. These trips are essential to maintaining my professional life, my independence, and my dignity.

I also greatly value leisure time with my family. Being able to go out, take walks, be present in simple but important moments, share time with those I love, and create memories is something that illness cannot steal from me. Quality of life is also built on these small, great moments.

But there is something even greater that moves me: my faith. I believe in God and I feel the need to go out, be with people and share the Gospel. I don't want to be confined to four walls when I have a purpose to fulfill.

For all of this, I need an adapted van that allows me to transport my electric wheelchair safely, comfortably, and with dignity. This van will be essential for going to appointments, working, participating in activities, competing in chess, spending time with my family, and fulfilling what I believe to be my calling.

At this time, that goal is beyond my financial reach.

That's why I'm asking for your help.

Every contribution, no matter how small, brings me closer to remaining active, independent, and true to the purpose I hold in my heart. I'm not just looking for a means to an end—I'm looking to continue living with quality, faith, autonomy, and determination, refusing to surrender to the disease.

If you can't contribute financially, sharing is already a great help.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me 🙏

About the author

My name is Rui Bernardino, I am 48 years old, from Coimbra, Portugal, married and father of a 13-year-old daughter. At first glance, a normal life… but I have lived with Friedreich's Ataxia since birth, a rare and progressive disease that has brought me great physical limitations.

I've been using a wheelchair for almost 30 years, and now even my voice is limited. Still, I thank God every day for my family, my job, and the opportunity to keep fighting.

It was never easy, but giving up was never an option. I studied, entered university after I was 23, completed my degree in Management and also my master's degree. Today I work, and that gives me autonomy, dignity, and the feeling of continuing to be useful.

In 2014 I wrote the book "It's Possible" because I always believed that my story could inspire other people. And I continue to believe that.

In 2024 I experienced a great achievement: I finally started taking the first approved medication for Friedreich's Ataxia, something that for years seemed impossible.

The disease hasn't won yet. And it won't win easily.

I continue to seek God's will, to cherish family, and to believe that the best is yet to come.

Giving up will never be an option.

Budget and due dates

I plan to campaign for 45 days.

I've been looking at dealerships and I need approximately €35,500 for a new van (that's the only way I can get a discount on VAT and other taxes), plus I'll pay your percentage and other small expenses (video editing and advertising).

The adaptation process is still pending, but it is covered by a grant from IEFP at no cost.

Images

Documents

• Preços e características da carrinha

  zip • 3.85 MB