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Help Me Get a Jaco Robotic Arm

At the age of 2 I was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type I which is a progressive degenerative muscle disease and one of the over 40 diseases listed under the overall name of Muscular Dystrophy. I am 48 now and have lost so many abilities to this disease. Having a Jaco robotic arm would help me to regain some of the independence I have lost over the years. It would allow me to do things that people take for granted every day. Things like…

*  I could open a door to let myself in and out of the house. No big deal? Well it is a big deal when you are at home alone and can’t get out of the house should there be a fire or some kind of emergency.

*  Picking up a glass to get myself a drink and feed myself again. It is even possible that I could get a drink out of the refrigerator and pour it for myself or warm something up in the microwave to eat.

*  I could get a tissue when I am sick and have a runny nose.

*  I could pick up items that I drop.

*  I could use my computer while sitting up in my wheelchair.

*  I could hold the phone up to my head to talk.




I am sure there are things that I haven't even thought of yet, and maybe these things seem small to someone who just does them automatically because they can. They are things you probably don’t even think about because to an able-bodied person they are part of everyday life. Honestly, they are things that have taken away my self-reliance and self-esteem because I cannot do them for myself anymore.

However, this kind of technology is expensive (approximately $46,000) and not covered by insurance so I am asking for your help! The thought of being able to do things for myself again that I haven’t been able to do in years has me on the verge of tears, and I cannot even think of enough words that would convey my gratitude for any donation that you could give to help me.

Thanks for reading my story and any donation that you can give.

Organizer

Peggy Overbey
Organizer
Ocala, FL

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