Help Austin Live Fully Again — With the Right Wheelchair
Hello, my name is Austin Williams — some of you know me as Napabacon, a Mariners fan, a friend, a family member, or someone you follow online. But what many of you might not know is that I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user. Yes, I can walk. I can stand. I can get around my home. But every step comes with a heavy cost: intense pain, severe fatigue, and serious risk to my long-term health.
I’m launching this fundraiser because my current wheelchair — the very tool that’s supposed to support my mobility and independence — is failing me. And without a new one, my world continues to shrink.
This isn’t about “giving up.” It’s about staying active, connected, and safe.
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Why I Use a Wheelchair (Even Though I Can Walk)
People often misunderstand what it means to be an ambulatory wheelchair user. I get it — seeing someone stand from a wheelchair and walk a few steps can be confusing. But here’s what that really means in my life:
Imagine starting each day with only 20% battery on your phone, knowing that once it's gone, it's gone. That’s what my body feels like. Walking across a parking lot might leave me drained for the rest of the day. A quick errand could mean hours of recovery. I’m constantly forced to choose between doing something and paying the physical price for it later.
My wheelchair gives me freedom — it allows me to conserve precious energy so I can actually enjoy life, not just survive it. But right now, my current chair is so heavy, outdated, and poorly fitted that it's become more of a burden than a help.
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The Harsh Reality of a Failing Chair
I didn’t always realize how critical the right wheelchair would be. But now, I’m dealing with:
Chronic pain and fatigue from propelling a heavy, ill-fitting chair
Strain and injury from lifting it in and out of my car
Brakes that fail when I need them most
A frame that’s unstable, making transferring in and out risky and scary
A lack of trust in my own mobility tool, which has led me to stay home more and more
This isn’t just frustrating — it’s dangerous. And it’s making my world smaller every day.
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What I Need and Why It Matters
I’ve identified the right kind of wheelchair for my specific medical needs — something lightweight, custom-fitted, and built for active daily use. Here's what that means:
Ultra-Lightweight Frame: A titanium or lightweight aluminum chair would reduce strain on my body and allow me to lift it without risking injury.
Custom Fit: I may not be in my chair all day, but the time I do spend in it needs to support my body correctly to prevent further damage and chronic pain.
Quick-Release Wheels & Compact Design: These features allow for easier transport and use in daily life, especially since I rely on public or personal transportation regularly.
This kind of chair isn't a luxury. For someone like me, it’s essential. It’s the difference between being isolated at home and being present in the world.
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⚠️ Why Insurance Won’t Cover It
Sadly, insurance doesn’t see it that way. Because I’m technically able to walk short distances, they refuse to cover any features beyond the most basic — and unusable — models.
The only chairs they’ll fund are heavy, bulky, and more suited for hospital use than daily life. These chairs actually make things worse. I’ve appealed. I’ve advocated. But the answer is the same: “You can walk, so this is unnecessary.”
So now, I’m turning to you — my community — for help.
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What This Campaign Is Really About
This isn’t just about buying a piece of equipment. It’s about reclaiming my ability to live fully, safely, and with dignity.
With your help, this wheelchair would mean:
Saying yes to invitations without a painful energy calculation
Being able to run errands, go to events, and show up for others
Spending time outdoors with my wife without fear of collapse
Pursuing my passions again — e.g., photography, art, writing
Ending the cycle of pushing too hard, crashing, and missing out on life
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How You Can Help
If my story resonates with you, here are three meaningful ways you can be part of this:
1. Donate — Every dollar brings me closer to getting the right chair. No amount is too small — truly.
2. Share — Spreading this campaign helps not just me, but others who face similar mobility challenges and feel invisible. Sharing helps raise awareness.
3. Encourage — A kind word or comment keeps me going. It reminds me that I’m not alone in this fight.
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From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read this. Whether you give, share, or simply understand me a little better — you’re helping lift a weight I’ve been carrying for far too long.
With gratitude,
Austin Williams
Organizer
