Westport Mother Pays Over $900 a Month for Wheelchair Van [HOLIDAY WISH]

Holiday Wish returns to Fun 107 for the ninth year as we team up with the United Way of Greater New Bedford to help local families in need.

The families selected are dealing with incredibly tough times, and through Holiday Wish Week, we hope to come to their aid and provide a brighter holiday to jumpstart a better year ahead.

Our fourth family of the week comes from Westport, where an expectant mother is feeling the pressure of finances as she aims to give her kids a memorable holiday season.

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The Barcellos Family Story

Stephanie Barcellos of Westport is a loving mother of three with one on the way, and she is feeling the strain of inflation as life continues to get more and more expensive.

Recently, Barcellos adopted her 11-year-old nephew, Jayden, after she discovered he was placed into the foster care system. Jayden is on the autism spectrum and Barcellos wanted to make sure he grew up in a loving home with his own family.

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Cerebral palsy has greatly affected the quality of life for Barcellos’ daughter, 11-year-old Kay-Leanna, who may be wheelchair-bound, but her strong will and confidence keep her as independent as possible.

Barcellos was able to get her hands on a handicap-accessible van, but it came at a heavy cost. She shells out over $900 a month, with around six years left of financing.

Inflation is making everyday life harder, and with a bill like that one, her other bills are beginning to suffer.

Barcellos is in the midst of a high-risk pregnancy which is preventing her from working. Her boyfriend, Michael, is the only source of income, and soon he will be laid off from his seasonal job.

How to Help

If the Barcellos family can get help with the van payments, a huge burden would be lifted from this mother’s shoulders. Gas money to get to important doctor’s appointments and staying on top of bills is at the top of their wish list.

For her children, they enjoy family outings and fun experiences.

“They love making memories together,” said Barcellos.

Text to Donate to Holiday Wish

Text WISHES23 to 26989. You will be sent a United Way e-link that allows you to make a donation via credit card to this family when you select the day and date of which family you wish to help from the drop-down menu.

Donate By Check to Holiday Wish

Make checks payable to the United Way of Greater New Bedford and in the memo line, write HOLIDAY WISH and the day and date of the family you wish to help. Checks can be mailed to United Way of Greater New Bedford, 128 Union St., Suite 105, New Bedford, MA, 02740.

Donate by Credit Card to Holiday Wish

You can make a secure donation to the United Way via credit card here. Select the day and date of the family you wish to help from the "Please Select a Family" drop-down menu.

All of our families are pre-selected through United Way of Greater New Bedford. If you are in need of assistance, please contact United Way directly.