Wheels for Neal Helps Peabody Man With Multiple Sclerosis

The Wheels for Neal benefit dance at the Polish Club in Danvers over the weekend raised $4,275 for the cause.

Since January, Wheels for Neal has been raising money for Peabody resident Neal Truesdale so he can buy a wheelchair accessible van and necessary mobility equipment.

So far, more than $21,000 has been raised with a goal of $60,000.

Truesdale was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2001. He worked as a teacher at The Pingree School in South Hamilton until 2009 when his disability “made fulfilling his duties at work virtually impossible due to mobility issues.”

He has since lost the use of his legs and has become reliant on a wheelchair or motorized scooter.

Traveling in the family car is difficult as his wife, Susan, has to transport him from the car to the wheelchair. They both could be injured during the transfer.

Patch featured Truesdale’s story at the end of January. At the time, $4,480 was raised, but that has swelled to $21,795.

You can donate directly by going on Wheels for Neal’s GoFundMe page.

The next benefit is on May 19 at the Stonewood Tavern. From 6 to 9 p.m. that day, 20% of the food sales will go to Wheels for Neal. There will also be raffles.