Vote to Help Local Woman Win Her Independence

Chat for a few moments with New Port Richey’s Michelle Boniol and it’s hard to believe the single mother of three faces the daily challenges that go hand-in-hand with muscular dystrophy and raising a 5-year-old autistic son on her own.

Upbeat and witty, she remains as active as she can while relying on a wheelchair and others to get around. She’s taken part in the MDA Muscle Walk since her September 2012 diagnosis, assists with social media for the River Ridge High School football team, on which her teen son plays, and even helps raise awareness about muscular dystrophy through Light It Up Green for MD. She does all of this with a smile on her face, friends say, and without the independence that goes along with owning a vehicle she can drive.

That’s why supporters are pushing to get the word out about Boniol’s entry in a contest that could win her a wheelchair accessible vehicle. She was entered into the online contest sponsored by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association by relatives. Since May is National Mobility Awareness Month, the association, which includes such partners as Chrysler, Toyota and Valley Honda Dealers, is giving away four vehicles. One will go to a general winner, one to a caregiver, one to a senior 60 and over and one that is battery-powered for in-town driving only, the Mobility Awareness Month website explains.

“Local Heroes” in each of the four categories will be selected based on the number of online votes they receive.

Voting in the first leg of the contest ends May 31. The Top 10 percent of entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges to determine semi-finalists. Semi-finalists will be named on or around June 5, the website states.

Boniol has lived in the New Port Richey area for 34 years. She has three children, Chelsea, 21, Brendan, 17, and Cameron, 5.

“The little guy is absolutely awesome and my big kids are incredible,” Boniol said. The support of friends and family, including daughter Chelsea, who moved back home to help Michelle out, has been invaluable, she said. Even so, winning a vehicle that would afford her more independence “would be amazing,” she said. As of now, Boniol depends on others to take her to appointments, pick up groceries and so on.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Boniol had received 10,941 votes, but needs more to assure a spot in the Top 10 percent.

The Tampa Bay area has a number of other entrants in the contest. To vote for Boniol, follow this link. To review all the entrants, visit the Mobility Awareness Month website. Supporters can vote once per day through May 31.

Photo courtesy of Michelle Boniol

See Also:

• Fundraiser Benefits Sunlake Football Player Injured in Tubing Accident
• Longtime Firefighter Needs Community’s Help

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