
Help Mike Lorenz Get A Power Chair
Hello, my name is Diane Lorenz Ehlert and I am the sister of Mike Lorenz. Mike has had trouble with his breathing for the past 10 years when he developed a fungal infection in his lungs. This led Mike to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, otherwise known as COPD. COPD is a chronic disease that obstructs airflow to the lungs due to inflammation. Common symptoms of COPD are difficulty breathing, wheezing, and frequent respiratory infections. Mike's COPD is currently stage four, which is the worst/end stage of the disease. Because of this disease, Mike has not been able to work in the past year. Mike has also been unable to leave his apartment due to strain on his lungs and body from walking. Mike is unable to walk more than 5 feet without needing to stop and catch his breath. Mike is on continous oxygen 24 hours a day, and has been for the past 2 years. A power chair would help Mike get around his apartment easier, be able to leave his apartment, and hopefully obtain a part-time job to assist with medical and living expenses.