As her release date and a return home approaches, Kaeli Edmonds, 18, and her family are left with questions, optimism and determination.

Kaeli Edmonds was first injured in January in a single-car collision on Vasquez Canyon Road that saw her car flip multiple times.

After more than a month of intensive care at a local hospital, the Thorpe family made the decision to seek out the best spinal cord rehab in the country; Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado.

Related: Santa Clarita Teen Paralyzed In Crash Stays Strong Through First 60 Days Of Rehab

With her return home quickly approaching, the Santa Clarita Valley teen is already preparing for the next stage of her life, determined to finish out her high school coursework and continue to higher education.

The Thorpes are already beginning to experience some of the new challenges home life may present. Kaeli’s mom, Deanna Thorpe, shared a story of one such challenge, recalling a time recently where they were preparing a trip to a store in Englewood.

For one of the first times, Thorpe called the store ahead of the trip to make sure it was wheelchair-accessible, only to find that it wasn’t and their trip would need to be cancelled.

“That is the first time I had that feeling that our life was different, and her life was different,” said Thorpe. “I had to go tell my family (we couldn’t go), but that was a learning lesson for me.”

As Kaeli’s end-of-May release date approaches, the Thorpe family is seeking out assistance with making the transition as smooth as possible.

A GoFundMe page for the family has already reached over $19,000, but now Thorpe has put forward a “Wish List” for those who would like to help Kaeli and her family directly.

Home:

Braunability Toyota
Side entry and in floor ramp
Airfare for her and I to fly home from Denver to Burbank
Portable Shower
HEPA Air filter

School:

Laptop (compatible with Dragon software)
Dragon Software Premium
Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse
Apple Watch
Gooseneck Microphone
Google Home W/Nest

For those interested in donating, you can contact the family directly by email at deannathorpe12@gmail.com.

With the ongoing daily physical therapy and whirlwind of emotions Kaeli still has found time to begin transitioning back to her normal teenage life.

“When I first got out here, I had brought all Kaeli’s makeup,” said Thorpe. “So I set up a little table and (the hospital) set up some cups and bands, and Kaeli was able to do all of her makeup by herself — the only thing I assisted her with was her mascara.”

Thorpe continued, “It was really neat to see her put on all her makeup and be herself again, to look in the mirror and see the person she used to see.”

To donate to the Thorpe family for Kaeli’s medical expenses, click here to visit her GoFundMe page.

All photos courtesy of Deanna Thorpe.