The challenges, setbacks, and responsibilities faced by the head of a special needs family often remain unacknowledged. This is due to a variety of reasons, including the stigma families may encounter when they share their experiences, as well as a growing disillusionment with community and support networks that fail to assist during critical times. For some, the repeated rejection and lack of tangible support from their communities lead them to withdraw entirely.
I am deeply concerned for families who encounter similar challenges, many of whom feel compelled to abandon their efforts due to persistent feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness. Others, unfortunately, may feel forced to accept the repeated barriers placed before them. It is disheartening to experience the lack of assistance when seeking support to continue providing for Zayden’s needs, such as ensuring access to necessary medical care and obtaining his prescribed medications. Despite having dedicated significant resources—donating items, money, time, and energy—to charities and individuals over the years, it is disappointing to find that this support is not reciprocated during times of personal hardship.
Regrettably, I have recently found myself among those who feel abandoned. Individuals I have supported emotionally, financially, and physically have become noticeably absent during my moments of need. Many of these individuals do not answer calls, respond to messages, or extend any effort to assist with even minor requests, such as spreading awareness for a cause. The lack of reciprocation is disheartening, especially when it pertains to something as simple as sharing a fundraising link or sharing vital resource knowledge.
In moments of reflection, I find myself questioning the past decisions I have made to support others. Why did I provide housing for those with nowhere to go? Why did I shoulder their financial burdens, such as covering their phone bills, despite facing my challenges? Why did I prioritize their struggles over my stability, only to experience a lack of support when I face adversity? These questions weigh heavily as I grapple with the imbalance of dedication and reciprocation.
The experiences of the past year have profoundly impacted my perception of humanity. I have experienced a spectrum of emotions ranging from hope to despair, often feeling overwhelmed by the constant obstacles and lack of genuine support. My frustrations have been further compounded by interactions with organizations, businesses, and institutions that claim to serve their communities but impose requirements that are nearly impossible for many families—especially those with special needs—to meet. This creates a cycle where assistance becomes inaccessible, despite their stated mission to provide aid.
For example, I reached out to United Way for referrals to other charities. However, many of these organizations failed to respond or imposed stipulations that rendered their assistance impractical. Often, aid is offered only after proof of payment is provided, which defeats the purpose for families seeking help due to financial hardship. Others require proof of financial solvency before even considering assistance, creating an untenable situation for those already in need.
Similarly, my outreach to Stellantis North America exemplifies this systemic issue. Despite their acknowledgment of my situation, the company offered a limited reimbursement of $2,500, contingent upon the repairs being completed and paid for upfront at a licensed dealership. While the gesture was appreciated, it was insufficient to address the broader financial burden my family faces. Furthermore, the suggestion to seek funds from family members or through credit further highlights the disconnect between corporate policies and the realities of families in distress.
According to Stellantis’ 2024 financial report, the company generated €63.5 billion (approximately USD 74 billion) in North American revenues, shipping 1.432 million vehicles. Despite this significant financial success, the company remains unwilling to take meaningful action, such as donating a transmission or collaborating directly with their dealerships to resolve life-threatening hardships caused by known issues with their products. As a loyal customer who has purchased numerous vehicles from Chrysler over the years, this lack of accountability and meaningful support is deeply disappointing.
For most families, a repair costing $8,760 represents an insurmountable hardship. Yet Stellantis’ policy of requiring customers to pay upfront before receiving any reimbursement reflects a lack of understanding of the struggles faced by ordinary families. This approach fails to address the urgent needs of those seeking assistance and places an undue burden on families already facing significant challenges.
To Stellantis and similar organizations: If we had the financial means to pay for such repairs outright, we would not be compelled to seek assistance in the first place. The current system fails to provide meaningful support, leaving families in need with few viable options.
My letter to Stellantis CEO of the Chrysler division:
I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. I am reaching out as a grandmother, former Law Enforcement Officer, and former Paramedic who had to resign as a Correction Officer to attend to urgent medical needs within my family. My mother was diagnosed with early signs of dementia, and shortly afterward, I took custody of my grandson, who was born with a rare genetic disorder, Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. I want to bring to your attention an urgent issue involving our 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan GT, which has been essential for our family’s daily needs, especially in supporting the medical requirements of two family members with serious health conditions.
Our family has been loyal to the Dodge brand for many years, enjoying numerous Dodge vehicles that have served us well. Several family members have also proudly worked for Chrysler, strengthening our strong connection to your esteemed organization. It is out of this loyalty and trust that I am seeking your help with the financial challenge of repairing our vehicle after a significant mechanical failure occurred just after the extended warranty expired. Specifically, the torque converter failed 29 days after the warranty ended—a defect that, if it had happened during the warranty period, would have been fully covered.
This vehicle has been vital in transporting my 14-month-old grandson, who depends heavily on specialized medical equipment due to his rare genetic condition, Congenital Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. The spacious design of the Grand Caravan allows us to carry ventilators, oxygen monitors, suction devices, feeding equipment, and other essential tools, as well as supporting long-distance trips to see the 37 specialists involved in his care. Its reliability has been crucial to his ongoing treatment and quality of life.
We bought the vehicle in June 2019 with 21,000 miles on the odometer and have faithfully followed the maintenance schedule outlined in the owner’s manual. Over the years, we have experienced some minor electrical issues, including recurring rear tire sensor failures and electrical problems with doors opening and closing unexpectedly, all of which we paid to fix ourselves. Despite these minor problems, we were happy with the vehicle until an incident on July 29, 2025.
On that day, while returning home from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in Saint Petersburg, Florida, after my grandson’s latest surgery, the vehicle suddenly broke down. After turning off the cruise control and slowing down, it emitted a loud squeal, the engine revved unexpectedly, and the transmission stopped working. I managed to coast into a nearby repair shop, where an initial diagnosis revealed the torque converter was cracked, making the transmission irreparable. The estimated cost to replace the transmission was $8,790, not including taxes. This amount is beyond what our family can afford, given our full-time caregiving responsibilities and limited income from my grandson’s medical needs.
I sought second opinions from two other mechanics, both confirming the initial diagnosis: the transmission must be replaced due to extensive damage from the cracked torque converter. The second mechanic’s quote was $4,420, and your dealership’s quote was $6,790 plus fluids and taxes. These costs are unaffordable for us, leaving us without transportation for nearly a month.
Our family is under financial strain. We rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for my grandson and a modest caregiver stipend from the State of Florida. I cannot seek outside work because of the full-time care my grandson needs and the lack of nursing support in our rural area. Additionally, transportation options are very limited—our rural county has only four EMS units. Repairing this vehicle is essential for emergencies, medical appointments, pharmacies, and other vital services.
Beyond the immediate repairs, this situation has seriously affected our family’s well-being. The unexpected breakdown has posed a real threat to my grandson’s life, created stress, and disrupted our daily routines. Without reliable transportation, we struggle to keep his medical appointments and maintain stability. This vehicle is more than just a way to travel; it’s a lifeline that supports our ability to care for my grandson and elderly mother. Fixing it would not only ease our financial worries but also restore peace of mind and ensure uninterrupted access to their daily care.
I kindly ask you to consider providing assistance to help repair this vehicle. Your support could involve reducing the repair costs or exploring alternative options to ease this financial burden. Your help would make a significant difference and enable me to continue caring for my grandson and elderly mother.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I am hopeful we can work together to find a solution, reflecting your company’s long-standing commitment to customer satisfaction and community support. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to discuss this further.
Add comment
Comments