Chuck Conner Useless Legs Needs A lift
Donation protected
Friends and Family, our Chuck recently became trapped in his wheelchair for 5 days - unable to go to bed, take a shower, or even get on a toilet due to the fact that the lift installed in his room, which he was incredibly lucky to get from a charity in 2008 that he couldn't have possibly afforded otherwise, finally failed. It enabled him to transfer to and from those things and his chair. It had a good run and afforded him a level of independence that allowed him to remain in his home. We'd like to see him afforded the dignity to continue to do so. Chuck and his mom live on a limited fixed income and cannot afford to install a new unit out of pocket. And the charity that provided the track rail unit before, no longer delves into that type of independent living accomodations. A new lift costs just shy of $5000, and that's just to get in and out of bed. To regain the same level of independence he had before, it's another $2K and change for an automated swing arm so he can go to the bathroom without asking for help.
We need to raise $7000+ to allow Chuck to keep the same level of independence he had before, and not put him and his mom in a dire financial situation trying to help him, help himself, so he can remain in his home.
For anyone who may not already know Chuck, he has Muscular Dystrophy. Most people with MD of his type, SMA 3, find later life much more challenging as they continue to atrophy. Some don't even make it to 50+ like Chuck has. He's a fighter and has been very fortunate, and we've been fortunate to continue to have him in our lives. Things we take for granted, like just taking a nap or using the bathroom, are involved in his case. Even more so without the equipment that makes it possible, that helps alleviate the strain of moving him and getting him into bed for that nap or into a shower. He worked until he couldn't any longer and he hasn't been able to for at least 20 years now. Given that, Chuck relies on government assisted programs in order to survive. This disease robs him day by day of the independence he once had, and the indignity of this situation is just beyond compare at times. The stories he tells about the medical exams he has to take just to verify that an upgrade on his falling apart wheelchair on a regular basis, because these things wear out, are warranted, are some of the most absurd tales you would ever hear. He's literally been asked by more than one disability worker after answering the same questions, year after year, to continue to be classified as disabled, if he had tried therapy to improve his situation. Mind you, not therapy to keep his limbs limber, but therapy to "strengthen his muscles." "It's Muscular Dystrophy. How do you think that would work?" "But did you try?" Seriously?????
Chuck endures all this, repeatedly, with a sense of humor and a smile, and he really hates asking for help but the facts are, he needs it.
Friends, we're asking you to please help Chuck and Diane cover the cost of this medically necessary piece of equipment that helps provide so much independence. Any additional funds raised will go toward completing the in-progress build out of a new (er'ish) van to help Chuck go places farther than his chair can take him. Living where they do, public ride assistance isn't available the way it is in Orlando. His 1993 van is also dying (yes that's right, 1993 :) and when it does, it will leave him house-bound.
Any amount you can spare and see fit to donate, is humbly and greatly appreciated. And if these trying times find your ability to donate difficult or impossible, please share and spread the word. Everything helps!
Thank you and Much Love.
We need to raise $7000+ to allow Chuck to keep the same level of independence he had before, and not put him and his mom in a dire financial situation trying to help him, help himself, so he can remain in his home.
For anyone who may not already know Chuck, he has Muscular Dystrophy. Most people with MD of his type, SMA 3, find later life much more challenging as they continue to atrophy. Some don't even make it to 50+ like Chuck has. He's a fighter and has been very fortunate, and we've been fortunate to continue to have him in our lives. Things we take for granted, like just taking a nap or using the bathroom, are involved in his case. Even more so without the equipment that makes it possible, that helps alleviate the strain of moving him and getting him into bed for that nap or into a shower. He worked until he couldn't any longer and he hasn't been able to for at least 20 years now. Given that, Chuck relies on government assisted programs in order to survive. This disease robs him day by day of the independence he once had, and the indignity of this situation is just beyond compare at times. The stories he tells about the medical exams he has to take just to verify that an upgrade on his falling apart wheelchair on a regular basis, because these things wear out, are warranted, are some of the most absurd tales you would ever hear. He's literally been asked by more than one disability worker after answering the same questions, year after year, to continue to be classified as disabled, if he had tried therapy to improve his situation. Mind you, not therapy to keep his limbs limber, but therapy to "strengthen his muscles." "It's Muscular Dystrophy. How do you think that would work?" "But did you try?" Seriously?????
Chuck endures all this, repeatedly, with a sense of humor and a smile, and he really hates asking for help but the facts are, he needs it.
Friends, we're asking you to please help Chuck and Diane cover the cost of this medically necessary piece of equipment that helps provide so much independence. Any additional funds raised will go toward completing the in-progress build out of a new (er'ish) van to help Chuck go places farther than his chair can take him. Living where they do, public ride assistance isn't available the way it is in Orlando. His 1993 van is also dying (yes that's right, 1993 :) and when it does, it will leave him house-bound.
Any amount you can spare and see fit to donate, is humbly and greatly appreciated. And if these trying times find your ability to donate difficult or impossible, please share and spread the word. Everything helps!
Thank you and Much Love.
Organizer
Lisa Conner
Organizer
Melbourne, FL