STAND WITH SHELBY!

Many of you know my daughter Shelby. Shelby is 22 years old and has Cerebral Palsy and Global Developmental Delay. She is a bright, happy, social young lady who enjoys spending time giving back to her community, especially COPE Service Dogs who trained her dog, Big Mac. Shelby has gained so much self esteem and confidence through working with Big Mac that she now regularly volunteers at a retirement home and attends numerous events and speaking engagements to spread awareness about COPE and she actively participates in fundraising for their unique programs. As you know, Shelby uses a power wheelchair for mobility. The time has come for Shelby to be fitted for a new wheelchair as her current one is quite worn and she has outgrown the custom seating. You may not know that Shelby spends upwards of 16 hours a day in her wheelchair. Her current chair is static, in that it does not tilt, recline, or allow her to reposition herself in any way. Imagine sitting in the same position for 16 hours a day! Our concern is that Shelby is experiencing swelling in her extremities from poor circulation and will likely develop sores from staying in the same position for too long. In consulting with the wheelchair vendor and Occupational Therapist, it has been recommended Shelby have full tilt and recline capabilities on her new chair. It is also recommended that Shelby be in a standing position for parts of the day for weight bearing to promote muscle strength, prevent hip dislocation, improve bone density, reduce spasticity and more. Well, it's 2018 and the technology is here - we have found a power wheelchair with tilt, recline AND full vertical standing capabilities!!!! The Permobil F5 VS. BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP. Fortunately, many of Shelby's basic medical needs are covered by the provincial government. Unfortunately, they cover JUST the basic wheelchair and not all of the extras. So to our friends, families and community, we ask you to please support us in raising the funds needed to pay the difference between a basic chair and the one Shelby really needs to have the most healthy, independent and enriched life possible. Shelby is such a bright light to everyone she meets, let's show her how much she is appreciated and cared for by coming together and giving her this new chair. **I do not have the exact dollar figure due from the vendor at this time but have been advised that it may be upwards of $8000**. In the event more money is raised than is required, the extra will be put into a fund to cover end of life vetrinary care for Shelby's service dog Big Mac, and possibly towards the adoption fee of his successor dog when the time comes. Thank you for your support, please share this campaign. ***Stay tuned for a video of Shelby trialing the Permobil F5 VS!! ***updated amount required is $11,500