- W
- M
- L
Hello friends and family!
As many of you know, I was diagnosed this summer with a debilitating genetic condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. This condition effects the connective tissues in every organ of my body. Most notably, my tendons and joints. Every joint in my body, including my hips, ribs, and ankles dislocate on a daily basis. This makes walking very difficult and, some days, impossible. The rheumatologist who is treating me has prescribed a specialized wheelchair which includes a power assist device. This wheelchair will do nothing short of giving me back my freedom and independence. Unfortunately, even with insurance covering most of the cost, Matt and I will still be shouldering a $2,000 out-of-pocket cost. We are also looking into pre-owned options, not through insurance, which would cost about the same out-of-pocket. This cost is beyond our means and could spell the end of my dreams for an independent life. We are counting on our amazing support system of friends and family to help us get my wheelchair home. Thank you all in advance for helping me to live the best life that I can despite a debilitating illness. To help you further understand what this wheelchair will mean to me, I am including a list of the activities which I could not do without this mobility aid:
- Go grocery shopping (If you’ve ever tried to rely on one of those Wal-Mart scooters to be A) available or B) in working order, you will know why those are never a reliable option)
- Safely hold my nieces and nephews or go on adventures with them
- Get to doctor appointments (If Matt or a friend is unavailable to take me and push me in my transport chair, I am forced to cancel important appointments)
- Attend meetings to share my hobbies and interests with others (Imagine being stuck at home day in and day out, simply because you cannot get from your car into the library to attend a simple book club meeting)
- Get through an airport to take a flight
- Vote at a polling station
- Take public transportation (People don’t give up their seats for those who appear to be able-bodied)
And on very bad days:
- Get from the couch to the bathroom without help
- Move between my bedroom and home office
- Feed the dog or take her outside
As many of you know, I was diagnosed this summer with a debilitating genetic condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. This condition effects the connective tissues in every organ of my body. Most notably, my tendons and joints. Every joint in my body, including my hips, ribs, and ankles dislocate on a daily basis. This makes walking very difficult and, some days, impossible. The rheumatologist who is treating me has prescribed a specialized wheelchair which includes a power assist device. This wheelchair will do nothing short of giving me back my freedom and independence. Unfortunately, even with insurance covering most of the cost, Matt and I will still be shouldering a $2,000 out-of-pocket cost. We are also looking into pre-owned options, not through insurance, which would cost about the same out-of-pocket. This cost is beyond our means and could spell the end of my dreams for an independent life. We are counting on our amazing support system of friends and family to help us get my wheelchair home. Thank you all in advance for helping me to live the best life that I can despite a debilitating illness. To help you further understand what this wheelchair will mean to me, I am including a list of the activities which I could not do without this mobility aid:
- Go grocery shopping (If you’ve ever tried to rely on one of those Wal-Mart scooters to be A) available or B) in working order, you will know why those are never a reliable option)
- Safely hold my nieces and nephews or go on adventures with them
- Get to doctor appointments (If Matt or a friend is unavailable to take me and push me in my transport chair, I am forced to cancel important appointments)
- Attend meetings to share my hobbies and interests with others (Imagine being stuck at home day in and day out, simply because you cannot get from your car into the library to attend a simple book club meeting)
- Get through an airport to take a flight
- Vote at a polling station
- Take public transportation (People don’t give up their seats for those who appear to be able-bodied)
And on very bad days:
- Get from the couch to the bathroom without help
- Move between my bedroom and home office
- Feed the dog or take her outside
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