Hello Friends and Family!

As many of you know, I am beginning my nursing school clinicals two weeks from today! After caring for my father-in-law this summer and learning that I am going to be really good at this job (emotionally and physically), I can't wait to get started.

Unfortunately, I have been reminded of my limitations in a big way this month. First, my SmartDrive, a $7,000 device that allows me to use a manual wheelchair without dislocating my shoulder stopped working. There is a slight chance that I will be able to get it repaired, but the process will take months and will cost money that Matt and I do not have, if insurance decides not the cover the repairs (which is the likely scenario given the age of the device).

Then, over the weekend, I dislocated and sprained my elbow. This injury is minor and will hopefully resolve before I start clinicals on the 26th. However, it has reminded me that, if anything happens to either of my arms, even temporarily, my manual wheelchair becomes useless to me and I am stuck at home until I heal.

These realities have led me to realize that I truly do need a powered wheelchair, at least as a back-up for when my EDS makes it impossible for me to maneuver a manual chair. The cost of this chair will be all out-of-pocket and comes at a time when Matt and I are in a financial deficit after taking off work over the past several months to support his parents plus having to figure out a way to cover the cost of nursing school without financial aid.

By contributing to this fundraiser, you will ensure that I am able to continue nursing school and achieve my dream of becoming the first wheelchair-user in Michigan to earn an RN license!

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! for helping me reach this goal of mine.