GoFundMe: Naleeta Garcia needs $80k for a Kia Carnival van modified to fit her wheelchair

Mount Martha mum Naleeta Garcia is known for always going above and beyond for her school, church and community. Now she is the one needing help.

The Garcia family celebrating Christmas in 2019 – Naleeta with husband Steve and sons Jude and Ezra. Picture: Facebook

A brutal battle against cancer has left a Mornington Peninsula mum bed bound, unable to share precious moments with her beloved husband and two young boys.

Naleeta Garcia’s friends have rallied around the Mount Martha family, launching a GoFundMe campaign that has raised a staggering $13,630 in just two days.

However, a further $66,370 is needed to achieve the goal of giving Ms Garcia back some independence in the shape of a Kia Carnival modified to fit her large wheelchair.

Naomi Page and sister Renae Klemasz started the fundraiser on Tuesday in a bid to support their friend of more than 20 years.

“She has always been so generous in her service to the community and is the last person to ask for help herself.

A GoFundMe has been started to support Naleeta Garcia (sitting), her husband Steve and their sons Ezra (9) and Jude (7). Picture: supplied

“But we know what a difference it would make to her and her beautiful family to have a vehicle that took her wheelchair,” Ms Page said.

“At the moment it’s difficult for her to leave the house which means she’s missing out on so much; it would mean the world to her to be able to be a part of the simple things, like the school drop off for her boys.”

Ms Garcia was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May, 2021.

During treatment for the disease, which included chemotherapy, she suffered permanent damage to her spine and has since been classified as an ‘incomplete quadriplegic’.

Mt Martha couple Naleeta and Steve Garcia fell in love quickly after meeting online. They married and had two sons before tragedy struck. Picture: supplied

Naleeta with her beloved husband Steve and sons Jude (7) and Ezra (9) before she fell ill. Picture: supplied

As a result Ms Garcia cannot use her legs and requires around the clock care which is provided through the NDIS.

Ms Page said the family had been blessed with “caring, kind and loving nurses” and friends and family members who worked “tirelessly around the clock” to help the family.

“The Garcia family are very grateful for all that has been given to them from meals provided, house cleaning, washing, taking the boys out and the many prayers offered for and on their behalf have certainly been felt and very much appreciated,” Ms Page said.

“Now we just want to see if we can help them enjoy more time together outside the house by raising the money to buy the car.”

Donations are being accepted here