I am a 22 year old woman named Jacqueline. I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) about 6 months ago and my symptoms have since deteriorated significantly. I find it very difficult to walk around. I have been relying on a walking stick because my leg tremors and buckles under its weight frequently, and movement is extremely slow and fatiguing. Even though I have been using the walking stick, I have still had hundreds off falls this year alone. I was also given crutches to try but continued to have bad falls due to weakness in my arms. The only way I can prevent falls is if I get a wheelchair.

I would use donations to buy myself a reliable electric wheelchair to increase my mobility and independence. Most electric wheelchairs available at the disability shops cost between $2-5,000, so I aim to purchase one on the cheaper end. Currently, I have to stay home all day or rely on my partner to take me out. I miss going out in nature by myself and being able to do things independently. Having an electric wheelchair would massively improve my quality of life and allow me to participate in the community again.

I am living in a small unit with my partner and we are struggling financially. I can't work due to the physical and cognitive symptoms of FND so it is hard for us to make ends meet. There is extremely limited support available for people with FND as it is poorly understood and often stigmatised, so I have no choice but to self-advocate for help. I haven't received any funding from government or private organisations to support living with such a debilitating disability. I really hope you can donate a little bit of money to help me out.