b'All applicants must have a cell phone that can receive and send text messages, be able to t their assistive devices in the trunk of a standard-sized vehicle, and safely transport them without help from the driver. Caregivers are welcome to accompany their partner along the ride. In some cities, Uber, for instance, has drivers with wheelchair-accessible cars, which is a plus. However, that is not always the case, so we make it clear on the application that your walker or other device has to t in the vehicle properly to avoid any later hassle, Derrick said.While many utilize paratransit and ridesharing options through MS Focus, they may be unaware that the Foundation covers minor car repairs such as tune-ups, oil changes, or brake replacements under the Assistive Technology program. Anything exceeding a $250 limit falls under the category of the Foundations Brighter Tomorrow Grant, which runs between June 1 and September 1 each year. Weve supplied clients with money for new tires so many times through BTG, Derrick said. It is always a joy to assist in one way or another, and no matter the program, theres a resource for everyone within the MS community.Krystal of Tuscon, Ariz., feared becoming a burden to those around her before learning about the Foundations Transportation Assistance Grant. This program has been a godsend, she said. I no longer have to worry that I wont be able to nd a ride or feel guilty about asking others for rides. I feel more independent, and Im very thankful to MS Focus.Further along the West Coast, Amber finds this service to be a comforting convenience for her in Inglewood, Calif. MS Focus provides transportation to and from my doctor appointments and monthly infusions. As a single woman dealing with MS, it is stressful to plan out how to get to my appointments, especially since I cannot drive at the moment due to one of my symptoms. When I nish the infusions, I am extremely weak. But thankfully, the Foundations transportation service is like a sigh of relief because they take the stress out of traveling. And I know that I will be able to get home safely. As for the future of the Foundations Transportation Assistance Grant, Derrick said he hopes to reach a point where we can accommodate more trips for our clients. I would love to see our community attending MS events by way of this grant, maybe visiting their physical therapist, and so on, he said. But, I am happy for where we are at the moment, especially considering the mountains we climbed at the start of the pandemic. And while we are not out of the woods yet. Im glad we found a rhythm again, and now, with more hands on deck in this program, we aim to do our part in helping as many people as we can get to where they need to be. To apply for the MS Focus Transportation Assistance Grant, visit our website, msfocus.org. At the top of the homepage, click the Get Help tab, Grants and Programs, then select Transportation Assistance Grant. You may complete the application process directly from the page or email it to transportation@msfocus.org. The option of printing and faxing ones application is also available; mail the physical copy to our national headquarters at 6520 N. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33309 or fax to 954-351-0630.33 msfocusmagazine.org'