Hi, I'm Sam. I started this page because I want to be more independent. I want to open doors, to live on my own, and to start my career. To achieve this, I will need some help. The Jaco Robotic Arm will give me the independence I never thought possible!!

Click HERE to see my first time using the arm!!!

My Story:

I’m a 21 year old college student and living with a degenerative muscular disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). There are several types of SMA; each type is based on the age of onset and the number of SMN2 genes an individual has. I have Type 2, which means I have never been able to walk and have minimal mobility/function in my arms and legs.

I have been dependent on others to help me with daily tasks and needs throughout my life. These tasks include everything from getting dressed to itching my nose. I have been very blessed to be around people who are open and willing to help but I’m at a point in my life where I want to become more independent and reduce my dependence on others.

This is where I am asking for help. There is an assistive device called the Jaco Robotic Arm. This robotic arm would allow me to complete basic human tasks such as opening a door, grabbing food, or even pressing elevator buttons. Currently, I am entirely relying on others to do those tasks. When I am at school without an aide, I cannot get into my school building or a classroom without someone opening the door for me. I could be outside in the cold or rain and forced to wait until someone comes along to help. Asking is not the issue. I’ve met some of the best people in my life by asking for help. The problem is that I am entirely reliant on others for simple things that could turn into life-or-death situations without the robotic arm.

A good example of my current situation is the time that I got lost on the Red Line in Chicago. I was in the city for a school event and headed back to Union Station late at night. Unfortunately, I got on the wrong train and didn't realize it until I was already 10 stops in the wrong direction. I realized my mistake and got off in an unfamiliar neighborhood. I needed help getting into the elevator to cross the platform and board my train. I had a difficult time finding someone to help me. The Jaco Robotic Arm would have prevented this entire situation. It would have given me the ability to push the elevator button myself.

Unfortunately, insurance will not cover the cost of the Jaco Robotic Arm because it is deemed NOT medically necessary. I have appealed this three times and received the same generic response that it is not relevant to me or my situation. Isn’t opening a door or using my medical equipment independently necessary?

I want to become more independent at the end of the day. I want to move out and live on my own, get my dream job in the sports industry and confidently go out into the world without an aide by my side. I would gain this freedom to do that and achieve things I NEVER thought possible.

I am genuinely thankful to my family and friends for helping me get to where I am today. This robotic arm will drastically change my life and I am ready!

Our goal is to raise $77,000 dollars to cover the cost of the Jaco Robotic Arm. The robotic arm will allow me to do things that are sometimes taken for granted. The feeling I had when I picked up the wooden block was overwhelming for my family and me. (If you know my mom, she was in tears!) It may be a simple task, but for me it was impossible.

Please support me in any way possible through a donation, a repost or sharing my story. No contribution is too small; every gift will get me closer to my independence, and I will be forever grateful.

Many Thanks - Sam