Gib Gabe Zoomies (Wheelchair Funding)

Hiya, I'm Gabe, a 24 year old artist with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

My mobility has been declining steadily over the last few years, to the point where crutches are no longer cuttin' it. My joints are increasingly unstable and have begun to affect my bladder function, on top of the daily pain that I am struggling to manage.

Using a wheelchair takes the pressure off of my frankly pathetic joints, and allows me to actually leave the house without the risk and pain that it currently involves. A wheelchair also allows me to work and retain my independence.

The wheelchair I am using however, is a) borrowed, b) very heavy, and c) doesn't fit me in any way. So unfortunately, its causing about as many injuries as not using it caused. I have had an assessment for a custom active wheelchair that finally suits my needs, plus a power-assist add on, but it is more expensive than I can afford.

I have some savings, and incredible family support for funding some of this, however, it is still more than we can cover. And so I must finally admit defeat, and accept that I cannot do things entirely by myself and instead accept the help of my undeniably incredible community.

The chair is built to my dimensions, with anti-tippers to stop me falling back and breaking my spine, a specific cushion to take the pressure off of my pelvis, and a lightweight frame and wheels for ease of mobility and self propelling.

This isn't just a mobility aid, at this point it is giving me my life back, and my independence.

And I will never be able to fully express how big of deal that is to me.

Thank you.