Mobility & Safety for Jonathan: Replacing a Failing Electric Wheelchair

Hello, everyone,

My name is Jonathan, and I am reaching out to ask for your support in regaining my independence and, most importantly, ensuring my physical safety.

Since 2004, I have been living with severe, hard-to-control seizures caused by a rare viral infection called Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy or PML . Because my seizures frequently flare up, full physical therapy isn't possible, meaning I rely permanently on a wheelchair.

Furthermore, PML left me with a significant tremor in my left arm, making a standard manual wheelchair impossible to use. A power wheelchair isn't just a convenience for me—it is my only lifetime ticket to mobility.

The Urgent Safety Crisis Right now, my current power chair is failing. The left motor has started making severe clicking sounds. From my past experience, I know exactly what this means: the motor is on the verge of complete failure. When it goes, I will be completely stranded.

But there is an even bigger danger. Because of my seizures, I need a highly specific, heavy-duty chair. When I seize, I fall hard forward and to the left. I once used a standard rental chair that couldn’t handle the impact; the armrest bent, and the entire chair nearly collapsed on top of me.

Living on a Very Limited Fixed Income As an individual living with multiple chronic and disabling conditions, my day-to-day life is already a balancing act. I live below the poverty line and survive entirely on a very limited fixed income through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). After covering basics like housing, utilities, and medical expenses, there is absolutely zero room left over for emergencies. Saving up thousands of dollars for a specialized piece of medical equipment is an impossible hurdle.

Why Insurance and Medicare Aren't Enough While I am actively trying to navigate Medicare, the system moves incredibly slowly, and finding a pre-approved model that can safely secure me during a major seizure has proven nearly impossible. Most specialized power chairs on the market cost upwards of $5,000 to $6,000.

Because of my tight budget, I’ve spent hours researching alternatives and found a practical solution: I can buy the exact heavy-duty chair I need online for just $1,800, plus $200 for delivery and assembly. Crowdfunding this $2,000 is my only realistic path to safety, as my SSDI checks simply cannot cover it.

The Solution & How You Can Help The good news is that I have identified the exact model I need online. It is identical to my current chair, which has proven strong enough to keep me securely seated and safe during a seizure.

Instead of $6,000, I can purchase this specific chair online for $1,800, and I need an additional $200 to cover delivery and assembly costs.

Our Goal: $2,000 Every dollar raised will go directly toward:

The purchase of the secure power wheelchair ($1,800)

Shipping, delivery, and professional assembly ($200)

Having a reliable, sturdy chair means I can move through the world without the constant fear of a motor breakdown or a dangerous fall. If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. If you aren't able to give financially, sharing this link with your network would mean the world to me.

Thank you so much for your time, your kindness, and your support. I am more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

With gratitude,

Jonathan