Roopchandsingh was diagnosed Duchene Muscular Dystrophy, a disease that saps the strength from every muscle in his body. He's been fighting back with every fabric of his being ever since.
Roopchandsingh is now 23. He's confined to a wheelchair full-time and needs a non-invasive ventilator to help his battered lungs get enough air. He has endured spinal fusion surgery to keep his ribs from rubbing against his hip. Even a cold can hospitalize him for weeks.
Now, Matthew and his family are hoping the community can help them out. Matthew's 2001 van has broken down and he needs a new one that can accommodate his wheelchair.
In addition, the Roopchandsingh family is hoping to renovate the garage into a new room and bathroom so Matthew doesn't have to be carried up and down the stairs.
Matthew and his family have raised more than $1,300 since launching their GoFundMe campaign on Sept. 28. They're hoping to collect $55,000 for the van and garage renovation.
"My life is hard and everything is a struggle but I've been through to much in my life to just give up and just say that's it. I remember when i first found out that I had Muscular Dystrophy, I always remembered what all of the doctors said: 'this kid won't even make it past 20, he will die before the age of 20." Roopchandsingh said on his GoFundMe page "Well I'm going to be 24 on Dec. 3 so it never matters what anyone says or thinks about you because in the end you just have to prove them all wrong , I'm still fighting and living."
Click here to read Matthew's story and donate.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Newburgh and receive free news updates.