Brooke Crutchfield, economics and finance senior, is raising money to buy a woman a car.
The woman, Barbara, does not yet know about the fund.
Barbara was walking to go get aspirin the first time Crutchfield offered her a ride.
She immediately noticed the stench of infection as the woman got into her car, Crutchfield said.
Barbara has a severe diabetic infection and a large hole has formed above her ankle.
Crutchfield’s aunt, who is a nurse practitioner, said Barbara will most likely have to amputate her legs, Crutchfield said.
Barbara has missed doctor’s appointments due to her lack of transportation and has been without a vehicle since late February.
Despite her own health concerns, Barbara said what she misses most about having her own car is her trips to a local restaurant where she was allowed to sell stuffed bears to raise money for a girl in her family suffering from Leukemia.
Crutchfield has set up a GoFundMe account for Barbara, titled “Barbara Car Fund.”
As of now, the total is less than $700. The goal is $1,500. There is concern about that amount covering the total cost, Crutchfield said.
“Someone should do something, and it may as well be me,” Crutchfield said.
She wants to provide Barbara with a car, tags and liability insurance for at least a year.
If she does not have enough to cover these costs, Crutchfield said she will purchase a HoverRound for Barbara, as she may lose her legs and the ability to walk entirely.
“GoFundMe accounts are such a great way to raise money,” said Rachel Weisbart, music theater freshman. “Just think, if this were you, you would want as many donations as you could get.”
Crutchfield does not have a car picked out yet, as cars that fit the budget are not normally listed online, but are found on the sides of roads or driving down the street.
She asks that anyone who knows of a suitable car email her at bccrutchfield@my.okcu.edu.
“It would also help if they would keep an eye out for cars that are functional and cheap,” Crutchfield said.
Students think that this is a worthy cause to support.
“I am so glad someone stepped up to help this woman,” said Tessa McQueen, vocal performance freshman. “I support her 100 percent.”
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