My name is Maria Teodorescu and I am the chairperson of the Romanian Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Our association is based in the village of Vâlcele, Covasna County, a beautiful place where, 36 years ago, it all began.... Meetings, projects, inclusion activities, creative workshops, camps, trips, social and humanitarian events, and aid initiatives.

Over the years, we have hosted dozens of families at our centre who are affected by this illness and other conditions – people who would never otherwise be able to afford a holiday in the mountains or a stay in a hotel.

Here, they find a place of tranquillity, healing and community.

But for them to get here, they need adapted transport.

For many, their only link to this place is our minibus, which is nearly 20 years old and was received as a donation.

Today, this minibus can no longer cope.

One part is repaired, another breaks down, and our desperate efforts to fix it – investments of thousands of lei – have been and remain in vain… rust has completely taken hold of it, and the mechanics have warned us that the minibus is no longer safe.

The worst incident occurred a few months ago when the minibus broke down and our service users, who were on their way to the Craiova Genetics Centre, were left by the side of the road, frightened and in a state of uncertainty.

That is why the need for a new, safe minibus, fully adapted for wheelchairs, has become paramount.

We’re not doing this for ourselves; we’re doing it for their safety.

Help us ensure they’re never left stranded on the roadside again! Help us keep the route to Vâlcele open for them and ensure we can continue our work supporting members across the country.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for every gesture of support!