Over $44,000 has been raised to date as a result of an outpouring of love from the community to help support Smiths Falls mother, Courtney Preece in her mission to find affordable and accessible housing for both her and her six year old son Grayson. Courtney’s search for a home in a time where affordable housing is already in crisis mode is uniquely challenging as Courtney requires a home that is not only affordable, but that can also accommodate her wheelchair. The 27-year-old mother is paralyzed from the waist down requiring her to use a wheelchair as a result of Transverse Myelitis which affects the spinal cord. She was informed by her landlord in February that he was selling the home she had been living in, and had to relocate herself and her son by the end of May. Erynn Williamson, a friend of Preece’s, started a GoFundme campaign with a goal of $30,000 after Courtney found herself on the brink of homelessness due to lack of accessible housing, coupled with living on a limited disability income through ODSP.
It was only a matter of days before the GoFundme campaign began to skyrocket as people learned of Preece’s story, a true testament to the heart of the local community. According to details on the GoFundme page, Courtney was only 18 when she was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis (TM). She has spent the last 9 nine years in a wheelchair and continues to face daily challenges due to this rare inflammatory disease.
According to Preece’s interview with CTV News Ottawa, the overwhelming generosity of the community will potentially allow for her to find a more permanent housing solution without the fear of having to relocate in the future. Preece is set to view an accessible apartment being built nearby her current residence, planned to be ready for July.
Hometown News will be following this story as it continues to develop. Watch for further updates on hometownnews.ca.
Check out the fundraiser for Courtney & Grayson at https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-home-for-courtney-grayson?utm_campaign=p_cp_url&utm_medium=os&utm_source=customer.
Article by Shannon McLellan
