Mastic family seeks help paying for modified vehicle for paralyzed veteran

The special car Vivian Teemsma says they're going to need for her husband, Bill Teemsma, can cost upwards of $80,000. She says the VA only gave them $2,000 for their home remodeling because Bill's condition wasn't caused by combat.

News 12 Staff

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Mar 1, 2023, 3:40 AM

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Updated 743 days ago

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A Mastic veteran's family needs help after their loved one became paralyzed from the chest down.

Bill Teemsma suffered irreparable damage after having surgery for an aortic aneurysm.

His wife, Vivian Teemsma, has had to drain her savings and 401K to help pay to remodel their home to make it handicap-accessible when her husband finally gets out of the hospital.

"We've been raising funds to do it and I've had great contractors," Vivian Teemsma says. "We're almost complete with that part, but we also have to get him a modified vehicle."

The special car Vivian Teemsma says they're going to need for Bill Teemsma can cost upwards of $80,000. She says the VA only gave them $2,000 for their home remodeling because Bill's condition wasn't caused by combat.

Bill Teemsma was also forced to quit his job installing garage doors because of his condition.

Vivian Teemsma says her husband has been in three different hospitals since early November.

"Everybody just wants him home because he's been there so long," Vivian Teemsma says. "He has five grandchildren that adore him."

She says they're hopeful Bill Teemsma will be back home in the next month.

If you would like to help the family out with a donation, visit their GoFundMe page.

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