My cousin Dena is a dedicated student at Cal State Long Beach who recently suffered a broken femur. This injury has made it extremely difficult for her to get around campus and continue her daily routine. To support her independence and ease the physical strain she faces daily, we are raising funds to help Dena obtain a lightweight wheelchair. With the right chair, she’ll be able to move more freely, participate fully in campus life, and focus on her recovery and upcoming internship. Any support you can give will help make this important goal possible for her.

Dena’s health challenges began at age 13, when she underwent spinal surgery for scoliosis. Years later, in 2018, an accident resulted in a left tibial plateau fracture. The corrective surgery resulted in an undiagnosed leg length discrepancy that persisted for two years, ultimately causing osteoporosis in her left leg and hip as well as arthritis in her hips, back, and shoulders.

In December 2024, after years of symptoms and specialist visits, Dena was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation Type 1—a serious neurological condition in which the cerebellum presses on the spinal cord, disrupting balance, coordination, and motor control. This may have even caused her scoliosis.

In July 2025, Dena experienced another setback when a simple step out of a kiddie pool caused her left femur to shatter, the result of osteoporosis brought on by her leg imbalance. Thanks to supportive friends, she now has parallel bars and an arm bike to aid her recovery, and she has started treatment to strengthen her bones.

Despite these challenges, Dena remains dedicated to her recovery, raising her son William, and completing her Bachelor of Science in Recreation Therapy at California State University, Long Beach. She maintains a 3.5 GPA, teaches yoga, meditation, sound healing and is a Reiki II practitioner. With her father’s support—driving her to campus and helping her navigate it three times a week—she remains determined to graduate and pursue a career in recreational therapy, where she hopes to help others.

Unfortunately, the wheelchair provided by insurance is too heavy—nearly 40 lbs—and limits her independence. A lightweight wheelchair (about 10-15 lbs) with a motorized hand bike attachment will allow her to safely finish her last semester, complete an unpaid internship in Spring 2026, and begin her career.

Here's a look at Dena's recovery journey over the past couple of months:

https://youtube.com/shorts/mwM14Zo2fWA?si=Ffl6xjbRiKyGMe2q

How You Can Help:

Your donation will fund this essential wheelchair, hand bike, etc. Any additional funds will support Dena and William during her 16-week internship and cover future wheelchair and hand bike maintenance.

Every contribution, big or small, helps Dena stay mobile, independent, and on track to graduate and give back as a recreational therapist. If you would prefer to purchase an item directly, please reach out so we can keep this page updated.

Thank you for your kindness and support!

Initial Items Needed:

Wheelchair:

https://a.co/d/3GEM4zC

Hand bike:

https://a.co/d/1PAJoPA

Transfer board:

https://a.co/d/9NGQRC5

Lap strap:

https://adaptdefy.com/pages/lapstacker-home?utm_source=meta_kj&utm_medium=Instagram_Stories&utm_campaign=lapstacker_sales_usa&utm_content=Aspen+Lapstacker+%231&utm_id=120231791818580300_v2_s03&utm_term=120231791818910300&campaign_id=120231791818580300&ad_id=120231792274820300