Main fundraiser photo

Freedom Scooter

Donation protected
Hey!
My name is Leonie and my reason for starting a GoFundMe is the hope of freedom an electronic scooter can bring me.

Back in 2007 I suffered an injury to my wrist which required surgery. The surgery didn't go to plan and not only made the injury worse, it opened the gate to a flood of ongoing health issues. I had suffered severe nerve damage, and it wasn't long before I lost majority of the use of my dominant hand. As an artist, a horse rider, a driving enthusiast, this was frustrating enough. I had to use my other hand, which due to the nerve damage throughout my body, could not cope too well. I have muscle wastage and little usage of both of my hands. I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. The nerve damage has spread to my legs, resulting in violent tremors and causing me to be wheelchair bound if I go anywhere that requires more than a few short metres of walking. My legs often give out completely and I can be unable to stand for quite some time. The nerve damage and Fibromyalgia means I am in pain 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Over the years, the symptoms have been progressively getting worse (I have gone partially blind on occasion, and currently have lost peripheral vision in one eye), and sadly neurologists, doctors and medical professionals are currently at a loss.
We are trying to find a cause for all of this and I am undergoing many different tests, with the hope that one day my symptoms can be eased. At best, that they can stop getting worse. There is a chance it could be Multiple Sclerosis (MS) but the testing has so far come back inconclusive. I have severe allergic reactions to many medications, so even if there is something, there's a high risk I can't take it. All of this means that as of right now, I don't have any information on how my condition can be treated. 

My wheelchair is amazing, but has I have limited use of my hands, I have to rely on others being with me to help push me around.
This is where an electronic scooter is a saviour. The scooter you see in the photo is the scooter I am hoping to raise funds for. It will enable me to do simple tasks such as going to the shops independently. It will allow me the freedom and independence that I have been craving since my injury. It will boost my confidence, my strength, and help in the daily fight towards my health to keep pushing and find a way to get better.
The scooter belongs to a dear friend who has his own set of health issues. The funds not only benefit me in the way of the scooter, they benefit my friend who is offering me the chance to buy the scooter. It will enable him to maintain the care he needs.

Asking for donations is something I have never wanted to do. I've always wanted to pave my own way, but my injuries and related health struggles have rendered me unable to work. This means I have no regular income. My passion is Photography, and having the scooter will enable me to take on more Photography work as I will be able to access the locations I need to. To say how much this would improve my quality of life is something I cannot express in words.

I understand we are all struggling with money. I understand some may not have any they can give. For those that can, even the smallest of donations will help.

Those that can't, you can help by spreading awareness of invisible diseases and injuries. Of helping others understand that just because someone looks young and healthy (I am only just over 30) does not mean that they are fit, healthy and able bodied.

Thank you to everyone who helps in any way they can. Your support means the world to me and more, and I hope that one day, I can repay you when you need it most <3

Donations 

  • Michelle Versteeg
    • $100 
    • 6 yrs

Organizer

Leonie Dean
Organizer
Wistow SA

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