Woman Needs $10,000 for a New Wheelchair  

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI. – January 25, 2006 - She has been abused, near death several times, lived in a car, an institution, several nursing homes, undergone extensive surgeries, and yet she still smiles and has the best, positive attitude you can imagine.

“I like to make people laugh, especially when I know they’re worried about something.” Meet Dearborn Heights resident, Pauline Hardeman.

Her life reads like a novel with some heartbreaking stories, but the story she is telling now is, “I need help so I can become more independent and really do the things I need to do.”

Pauline needs a new wheelchair. Because of her disability and the fact that she has no feeling in the lower half of her body, she uses an electric wheelchair with a special cushion to get around. But she needs a manual wheelchair which will help her get in and out of places easier. “I can’t get my electric wheelchair through most doorways, so I am very limited in where I can go.” Problem is, Medicaid won’t cover the cost and time is running out.

“Because of diligent, round the clock care for six years, Pauline is the healthiest she has been in her life, but if she has one more skin problem, surgery won’t be the answer, amputation will,” said Margaret Biernat, friend and support person.

So Pauline gathered a team of her closest friends (“Bulldog Advocates” is what they’re called) to raise funds for the wheelchair. They have scheduled a series of upcoming fundraisers and are also appealing to the general public for funds.

“Pauline is the sweetest person you will ever meet and there is not one bitter bone in her body. Even though she has had an incredibly rough life, she still gives of herself and encourages all her friends to be the best they can be,” said Margaret.

“This new wheelchair will help me, help my friends. I want them be successful and happy, that’s all I want.”

If you would like to donate money to Pauline, please make checks payable to: