Accessible computer for DMD person
Donation protected
Hello. My name is Shane, from Baltimore, Maryland. I suffer from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a degenerative muscle disease and I'm reaching out to you all as I'm in need of a new, but accessible computer. Let me tell you a little about my background and story. Starting with me... I'm 28 years old and I may be "down", though I'm not "out." I aspire to be a children's author. My condition is a progressive one so by a basic timeline; at 5yrs old I had trouble standing, by 7 I couldn't walk for long, by 11 I was wheelchair dependent, had 2 spinal surgeries by 15, by 17 I could no longer raise my arms and an incident happened which I luckily survived, yet as a result I had to receive a tracheostomy to keep me breathing. I've been stable up to this point. Like most people with DMD, the concern we live with is common sicknesses turning fatal or heart failure due to heart disease that comes along with it. My odds may not be the best, but life is about the journey right?
Okay more about my story.. Basically my current computer has a lot of problems and it's on it's last limb, not just that it is almost 10 years old. I need a computer strong enough to run voice commands/transcription and parts such as; a headset with a good microphone, an adaptable keyboard with rearrange-able keys, a mouse with extra easy-access buttons, and various software to meet my needs. This is my access point to the world, my phone, hobbies, and part of being social. It's basically an upgrade on my life, and for once in my life I would love to have something nice and not just what I could scrap together. Done my best over the years to take care of my current heap of junk. Lol!
You see I live alone (well with the assistance of different caretakers) which is plenty of freedom although it was a battle getting to this point, it however doesn't leave me with any funds at the end of the day. I like to think I'm an independent person that I plan around things and maybe my stubbornness has kept me from asking for help till this point, here I am relying on the goodness in others. For the nearest future I plan to start writing. I would love to find my purpose in other people and immortalize myself in words or even a message. This computer will push me closer to my goal especially with the mic and software. I write with an on-screen keyboard currently.
I say children's author because I know what it's like to not have had the same opportunities as other children growing up so my feeling is that we need to encourage, to nurture our children and teach them to always live in the present, following their heart and dreams. Life is fragile and precious, and every moment we have to live it is a blessing. Live it!
To wrap this up I just want to express a final sentiment to those who have made it this far. I understand that part of this process is giving where your heart is at, and I know there are many causes, for any of you willing to look out for me... I'll be eternally grateful and if you need a shoulder to lean on I'll be there for you (send me a message!) and if you choose to to be anonymous, you have my blessing. It's hard to ask for something for nothing, but it comes from a good place! Thank you for your time, consideration, and compassion. You're wonderful!
P.S. I don't have many pictures to make a video, but I wanted to share a song with you guys that inspires me and maybe it will for you as well! :-)
JOHN PARR - ST. ELMO'S FIRE
You can find me here on Facebook (I'm an open book.)
Okay more about my story.. Basically my current computer has a lot of problems and it's on it's last limb, not just that it is almost 10 years old. I need a computer strong enough to run voice commands/transcription and parts such as; a headset with a good microphone, an adaptable keyboard with rearrange-able keys, a mouse with extra easy-access buttons, and various software to meet my needs. This is my access point to the world, my phone, hobbies, and part of being social. It's basically an upgrade on my life, and for once in my life I would love to have something nice and not just what I could scrap together. Done my best over the years to take care of my current heap of junk. Lol!
You see I live alone (well with the assistance of different caretakers) which is plenty of freedom although it was a battle getting to this point, it however doesn't leave me with any funds at the end of the day. I like to think I'm an independent person that I plan around things and maybe my stubbornness has kept me from asking for help till this point, here I am relying on the goodness in others. For the nearest future I plan to start writing. I would love to find my purpose in other people and immortalize myself in words or even a message. This computer will push me closer to my goal especially with the mic and software. I write with an on-screen keyboard currently.
I say children's author because I know what it's like to not have had the same opportunities as other children growing up so my feeling is that we need to encourage, to nurture our children and teach them to always live in the present, following their heart and dreams. Life is fragile and precious, and every moment we have to live it is a blessing. Live it!
To wrap this up I just want to express a final sentiment to those who have made it this far. I understand that part of this process is giving where your heart is at, and I know there are many causes, for any of you willing to look out for me... I'll be eternally grateful and if you need a shoulder to lean on I'll be there for you (send me a message!) and if you choose to to be anonymous, you have my blessing. It's hard to ask for something for nothing, but it comes from a good place! Thank you for your time, consideration, and compassion. You're wonderful!
P.S. I don't have many pictures to make a video, but I wanted to share a song with you guys that inspires me and maybe it will for you as well! :-)
JOHN PARR - ST. ELMO'S FIRE
You can find me here on Facebook (I'm an open book.)
Organizer
Shane Patrick Herbert
Organizer
Catonsville, MD
