Dana's Dermatomyositis Battle

A rare muscular dystrophy, auto-immune disease, Dermatomyositis has taken my mom from active to disabled in a few short months.   

The disease makes my mom's own immune system attack her body, primarily the muscles of her upper legs, upper arms and neck.  She can no longer walk without the aid of a wheelchair, and is unable to drive.  She has fallen several times, and even broken her nose, because she can't put her arms out to break her fall.   She has trouble speaking, and cannot safely swallow.   Due to a previous broken back, her spine is fused from between her shoulders to her pelvis.  This makes a traditional wheelchair extremely uncomfortable and causes more muscle problems.  Also, because her upper arms are affected she cannot push a manual wheelchair.

I'm lucky that my mom's mind still works and she can do the job she loves, helping others by running a local nonprofit agency that helps low-income senior citizens.  She is allowed to telecommute, but the power chair would give her more freedom to get around the house and the community.  But right now she is trapped in her home, because she cannot drive, walk or get around without help.

Her insurance approved a power wheelchair, so she can move around, but the copay is  $4100 and requires a special lift attachment for her vehicle ($2000) because of the weight of the special chair.   
She needs help to cover the copays, so she can get around. 

The chair is being made for my mom now, so the need is urgent (By end of February at the latest). Your help will allow her to be as independent as possible, with dignity, and to continue to serve the community she loves.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and consider helping.

Alyssa Serrata