Help Amanda Get Outside and Surpass Limitations

There have been many challenges that I've had to meet and conquer, from learning how to get dressed on the floor to functioning as independently as possible on a college campus. Living with Cerebral Palsy has been a blessing as well. It has taught me to be creative and look for different ways of completing tasks. My wedding party thought it was awesome that they were required to wear sneakers because that was the only type of shoe I could wear. When my children were toddlers, “Horsey Back” rides became my way of carrying them around the house. They were having fun and it helped me get them where I needed them.

 My most recent challenge has been figuring out how to enjoy the outdoors with my children. The last time I used my current power wheelchair, it stopped and left me stranded in the middle of the field behind my house. At this point, the wheelchair had been experiencing issues with maintaining a charge for quite some time. As a result, the batteries, motors and some of the wiring were replaced. Needless to say, I was furious when it stopped because I had been told that the issue was fixed. I had my school-aged children and some of their friends with me at the time. I decided the best way to handle this situation was to stay calm and make crawling in the grass a fun activity. I remember thinking, “Thank God, I’m resourceful.”

After that adventure, I no longer trust my power wheelchair. My husband and I started looking at alternatives. In February, we found the Action Trackchair. This is a power wheelchair built for the outdoors. It can easily maneuver grass, wood chips, gravel and small curbs. The model that is being built for me will also stand me up. My doctor says that weight bearing is an important medical necessity. In addition, this feature will assist me in being social at tall tables.

Due to the uniqueness of the Action Trackchair, medical insurance said they would only cover 60% of a comparable in-network power chair. I was also informed that if I wanted to bill my insurance, I would have to pay for the Action Trackchair up front and then they would reimburse me. When I asked the insurance to provide me with a document stating that they would pay 60%, they said they could not do so. My husband and I were able to secure a loan for the full purchase price of the Action Trackchair. Any donations you can make to assist in paying the loan would be greatly appreciated. Honestly, we do not know for certain if insurance will cover any portion at this time. I will keep everyone updated on this process and adjust the goal accordingly.

My friends and family know that I have accomplished many goals. The most rewarding role I have been in is motherhood. This gift does not make it easy for me to stay on the pavement or other flat surfaces. Action Trackchair would make it possible for me to pick up my children from school and be a greater asset to my community because I will no longer be fearful of getting stuck by going off road.