I never imagined that a one-dollar raise could take away my ability to walk safely.

But that is exactly where I am today—fighting to keep my independence, my job, and my ability to care for my children while my body continues to fail me.

My name is Ashley, and I am a 38-year-old parent of two amazing children. I have a 19-year-old who lives at home while attending college, and an 11-year-old in middle school. They are my world, and everything I do is to keep our family moving forward.

I live with multiple sclerosis, along with other serious health complications. Over the past few months, my condition has taken a sharp decline. My mobility, balance, and coordination have worsened significantly, and I am now experiencing weakness and muscle dysfunction throughout my entire body. My neurologist has determined that I need an electric (power) wheelchair to safely get through daily life.

On top of this, I am currently dealing with palsy in both eyes. One of my eyes is taped shut to prevent severe double and blurry vision, which doctors believe is caused by optic neuritis related to my MS. Simple tasks—walking, standing, focusing, or maintaining balance—have become incredibly difficult and, at times, dangerous.

When I was on Medicaid, there was hope. My wheelchair was going to be fully covered, and for the first time, it felt like I might have the support I needed. Unfortunately, that changed when I received a $1 raise—bringing my wage to $18 an hour. That small increase disqualified me from Medicaid, with the explanation that I now “make too much” and should be able to afford private insurance.

I turned to the health insurance marketplace and chose the cheapest plan available. Even so, it has forced me into impossible choices every single month:

Which specialists can I see?

Which medications can I afford to fill?

Which tests do I have to postpone?

To make matters worse, the medical supply company I was working with does not accept my new insurance. Even when I find one that does, I am still responsible for 40% of the cost of the power wheelchair. These chairs are extremely expensive, and that 40% is simply beyond my reach.

Every day, I push through severe muscle and nerve pain. I work my full-time job through tears, come home and show up for my kids, cook, clean, collapse—and repeat. I have spent my entire life taking care of others. Now, when my body is asking me to slow down and take care of myself, I simply don’t have the financial ability to do so.

I am the primary breadwinner for my household. The fear of losing my mobility—and potentially my job—has become overwhelming. This power wheelchair is not a luxury. It is a medical necessity. It would help keep me safe, preserve my independence, and allow me to continue working so I can support my family.

Today, I am asking for help.

Your support would go directly toward helping me obtain a power wheelchair—something that would make my life safer, more manageable, and a little less painful. Most importantly, it would help me continue being the parent my children need and deserve.

If you are able, please consider donating—no amount is too small. If you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser could make all the difference. Your support helps me stay safe, stay working, and stay present for my children. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. All funds will go towards the purchase of my plus size light weight electric wheelchair, the cost of which is $3,063.99.