Disability Plates

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Lisa Moran on June 6, 2023.  As a cherished member of LungCancer.net and a source of inspiration, Lisa generously and bravely shared her journey, touching and inspiring many in our community. Her courage fuels our mission, and her legacy will endure in our work. Her absence will be deeply felt, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to all who held her dear. We consider it a privilege that Lisa allowed us into her life, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and our community.

I took the plunge. I decided to say goodbye to the temporary blue-hanging disability parking mirror placards and got a disability license plate instead. Now I don't have to worry about forgetting to hang the placard. Or forgetting to take it down. It blocks my view. I've also been worried about thieves stealing my placard when my car is unattended.

This has been a difficult dilemma for me. There are many days I don't need to use disabled parking. But there are many days I do.

My reason for needing disability plates

Not too long ago, I was so anemic and weak. Walking to the pharmacy counter, a doctor's office suite or to patient check-in would take every bit of my energy. This was after being dropped off at the entrance of a store, office building, or hospital. Then after my appointment or picking up a prescription, I would take a break and muster up my last bit of energy to walk back out.

Another main factor of needing disability parking now is the extra wide parking space. I have to swing my door all the way open to enter the car, squared up, butt first. Then I need to swing both legs over to get squared up and out of the car. If someone parks too close, the days of sliding in or out of a car with minimal door space are over for me.

From Colorado to Ohio

I got a Colorado disabled placard soon after my stroke. I wasn't able to drive at the time. The placard is assigned to the individual and can be used in any vehicle they travel in.

I got an Ohio placard after my move. It's the same as Colorado. The placard is assigned to me, not a specific vehicle.

I've made major stroke improvements and now I'm able to drive my 1960 Thunderbird. Although  I don't actually drive every day, I'm driving that baby to every appointment and errand possible.

Coming to terms with my disabilities

I've come to terms with my multiple disabilities. Getting the metal vehicle plate just twisted the knife a little. It feels like a huge commitment that I don’t want to have to make. I will always be disabled unless there are some phenomenal advances in science and medicine or I pull off some miracles. Until there are cures for stage 4 lung cancer and end-stage renal disease, I will be a part of the disabled community.

I have mixed feelings about the license plate. Do I want to be labeled? No. Do I want people to see I'm in a disabled spot when they wave me on to walk across the roadway in front of them in a parking lot? Yes. More than likely, my fastest pace is a snail's pace. If they watch me walk to my car in a disabled parking spot, maybe they will not be as frustrated for letting me cross and having to wait on me.

I am surviving my disabilities. I deserve self-care and to park in disability parking when and if I need to.