Cycle for Carla

I'm Carla and I was 16 when I became a Quadriplegic because of a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) due to a car accident; and, now 28 years old I'm trying to maintain my health. Until that point, I was a normal 16 year old who had just received my license and loved being rewarded for doing well in school. After my accident, I was paralyzed from the chest down, so I lost just about all of my independence. I need help to do simple tasks like sitting up in bed or transferring into my wheelchair. All I wanted was to get back to the independent woman I was becoming, who could drive herself around and had the normal concerns of any other female my age.

Anyone with a Spinal Cord Injury knows that you are really not “normal” anymore and that even the most simple tasks requires extra planning and assistance. However, I was determined to work hard to regain all of the “normalcy” that I could. After being hospitalized, prescribed different dosages of medications due to my Spinal Cord Injury, only one piece of equipment helped.

I'm in need of a cycle, called the RT300. This cycle helps reduce my muscle spasms, stabilize my fluctuating blood pressure, regulate my cardiovascular system, balance my neurological system and send signals back to my spinal cord to make a connection so hopefully/eventually my brain, spinal cord and legs will move when I want them to - allowing me to WALK AGAIN. This cycle has allowed me to do some everyday activities that people without this disability do without even thinking. For example, my upper body is strong enough to transfer with minimum assistance, supine (laying down) to a sitting position and much more. Because I need to ride this cycle several times a week and it's sometimes difficult to get out; and, this cycle is extremely expensive, I'm in need of assistance in purchasing one for my home. This cycle is $22,680 and I’m going to use all of my avenues to purchase and I ask all of you to share with your friends, family or anyone with a Spinal Cord Injury or disability to bring awareness that this Cycle is going to change you for the better!

Please know that any donation, large or small, is extremely appreciated as I continue to work towards my goal of a normal life.  This fundraiser will help me purchase a RT300 Cycle, to help further my progress due to a Spinal Cord Injury. I have personal supporters (family, friends and acquaintances) that are willing to help.