
Help Me Become More Independent
Donation protected
My name is Thomas Ballegaard I am 21 years old, and I have Muscular Dystrophy Duchenne. Although I live with this disease, and for those who know me can confirm, I am a very happy individual and intend to live life to the max. Living with this disease, however, imprisons my body, and gradually gets worse. Up until now my tools that make my life easier and more independent are becoming useless to me as I become weaker. However, thank goodness we live in an age that is so technologically advanced and innovative that new tools are constantly being improved. I am in need of two tool upgrades. The first is a new control for my wheelchair. This new controller will be placed on my lap where my arms naturally fall. Currently, my arms are stretched out to reach the joystick. It is very difficult and uncomfortable for me to use in this way. In addition, the new controller will be more sensitive to my movements, making it much easier for me to charge the wheelchair with movement. This is hard on me at the time as I can not with ease push the joystick effectively, causing me to stop frequently to readjust (sometimes with help from others) and drive too slow. The second tool I need is a bed frame which receives commands via voice activation, much like we are familiar with Alexa or Siri. The bed I have is a normal elevation bed with normal buttons. Unfortunately, my diminishing strength currently makes adjusting the bed impossible. It’s my only way of adjusting myself in bed. Imagine that. Without this new tool, I rely on those around me. While my family is always helpful, I need my independence to succeed in my goals and ambitions. I am an adult, and I wish to be as independent as I can, much like everyone else, but not everyone is imprisoned in their body like I am. Please help me raise the money needed for these two tools, help me become more independent.

Organizer
Thomas Ballegaard
Organizer
Boca Raton, FL