Get Elevated- Funding A Wheelchair Seat Elevator

My name is Ilea, and I'm a wheelchair bound mom of 3 beautiful girls! I was paralyzed in a cliff jumping accident in 2004, and have been mobility impared ever since. Due to carpal tunnel I've been relegated to mainly using my electric wheelchair vs my manual, which has worn it down to the studs over the past 6 years. It's held together with tape right this very moment! The good news is that my insurance has approved me for a brand new electric chair- almost exactly like the one I'm in now! Unfortunately, the bad news is that my insurance (both of them) has also denied me the most important component to my electric wheelchair, an elevation lift, which allows me to drive, cook, shop, help my kids, and so so much more.

Just last year, I was able to purchase a handicap accessible van to transport myself and my children. I have to be able to elevate to a certain height to lock into my driving mechanism, so not being able to elevate completely strips me of the independence the van has afforded me the past year. That purchase drained my savings for things like this, and every grant I've been able to apply for has been denied due to lack of funding.

It took 18 long and incredibly difficult years to get where I'm at, and to be denied something so necessary is heart breaking. I do hope you'll consider helping me reach my goal and keep my independence.

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

Ilea