
Help Bill Get a Quality Wheelchair
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Help Bill Get A High-Quality Wheelchair
Bill was diagnosed with rare form of cancer, Osteo-Chondroma Sarcoma, in his right knee on May 21, 2012. As a result of this diagnosis he underwent an above the knee amputation on January 22, 2013. Since his amputation, Bill has had over 20 surgical procedures. Most of these procedures were to help open his airway. Due to the complications that Bill experienced after his amputation, his airway and vocal cords became filled with scar tissue. This scar tissue stopped Bill from inhaling enough air to breathe, which has resulted in a permanent tracheostomy.
In addition to the many vocal cord and airway surgeries, Bill has had multiple biopsies, ablation of his lungs, and a total left hip replacement due to the painful condition known as Avascular Necrosis. Bill has developed this disease in both of his elbows and his left knee and is now in need of a left knee replacement. This surgery will likely have to happen in 2019, if not sooner.
Bill’s cancer has also metastasized to his lungs. As of now there are approximately 18 nodules in his lungs. While there is no known cure or treatment for this kind of cancer of the lungs, Bill is currently taking a medication called Votrient, which, thankfully, is being provided at no cost by the manufacturer. It is our hope that this medication will slow the growth of the nodules in his lungs.
Bill is considered to have a terminal diagnosis. His current prognosis is 1-4 years.
Four months after Bill’s amputation in 2013, he was fitted for a prosthetic leg. However, due to his many surgeries between 2013 to 2016 he had minimal time to actually learn how to properly use his prosthetic. It is impossible to learn how to walk again when your airway is constantly healing from surgery. Breathing is difficult through a healing throat and a trache. When Bill was done with having his multiple throat surgeries he developed Avascular Necrosis in his left hip. Three months after the AVN diagnosis Bill underwent a total LEFT Hip Replacement.
After Bill healed from this surgery he began to experience excruciating pain in his left groin area, hip, and leg when trying to walk with his prosthetic. After several tests he was diagnosed with nerve pain as a result of the hip replacement. Even now, after physical therapy and a nerve block injection, Bill is still unable to bear his full weight on his left leg for more than a few seconds when transferring from chair to bed and vice versa.
At this time Bill’s wheelchair, his only form of mobility, has the following features:
· 8" hard plastic front casters
· 20” hard plastic back wheels
· Carbon steel frame
· Composite, Mag-style wheels
· Total weight of 49 lbs.
We are looking to purchase a High-Quality Wheelchair that has these features:
· T-6 Aircraft-grade aluminum frame
· 24″ x 1¾” wire spoke wheels with soft rubber tires
· Double cross-braces
· High-grade flame retardant, breathable nylon upholstery
· Adjustable toggle wheel locks
· 8″ x 2″ soft rubber front caster
· Weighs only 32 lbs.
Bill has repeatedly told me that I am the reason for him still being alive. He feels that if not for me he would have died when his stats dropped when he had an allergic reaction to post-operative medication or when he suffered a 7 cm saddle blood clot. He tells me often that if not for me he would be “in a home”, all alone, not living the life he has with me. When he says those things, I respond with “I’m your wife and I love you, there is nothing I wouldn’t do for you”. That being said, I have to do something I’m not really good at – I need to ask for help. I need to ask others to help ease the financial stress of purchasing a new High-Quality wheelchair for Bill. Bill’s insurance only covers 80% of the cost of a standard wheelchair which lasts only 2 years. Any amount that is received will be appreciated.
Bill and I thank you for taking the time to read this. Your support over the last 6 years has been invaluable and we cherish each and every one of you.
Bill was diagnosed with rare form of cancer, Osteo-Chondroma Sarcoma, in his right knee on May 21, 2012. As a result of this diagnosis he underwent an above the knee amputation on January 22, 2013. Since his amputation, Bill has had over 20 surgical procedures. Most of these procedures were to help open his airway. Due to the complications that Bill experienced after his amputation, his airway and vocal cords became filled with scar tissue. This scar tissue stopped Bill from inhaling enough air to breathe, which has resulted in a permanent tracheostomy.
In addition to the many vocal cord and airway surgeries, Bill has had multiple biopsies, ablation of his lungs, and a total left hip replacement due to the painful condition known as Avascular Necrosis. Bill has developed this disease in both of his elbows and his left knee and is now in need of a left knee replacement. This surgery will likely have to happen in 2019, if not sooner.
Bill’s cancer has also metastasized to his lungs. As of now there are approximately 18 nodules in his lungs. While there is no known cure or treatment for this kind of cancer of the lungs, Bill is currently taking a medication called Votrient, which, thankfully, is being provided at no cost by the manufacturer. It is our hope that this medication will slow the growth of the nodules in his lungs.
Bill is considered to have a terminal diagnosis. His current prognosis is 1-4 years.
Four months after Bill’s amputation in 2013, he was fitted for a prosthetic leg. However, due to his many surgeries between 2013 to 2016 he had minimal time to actually learn how to properly use his prosthetic. It is impossible to learn how to walk again when your airway is constantly healing from surgery. Breathing is difficult through a healing throat and a trache. When Bill was done with having his multiple throat surgeries he developed Avascular Necrosis in his left hip. Three months after the AVN diagnosis Bill underwent a total LEFT Hip Replacement.
After Bill healed from this surgery he began to experience excruciating pain in his left groin area, hip, and leg when trying to walk with his prosthetic. After several tests he was diagnosed with nerve pain as a result of the hip replacement. Even now, after physical therapy and a nerve block injection, Bill is still unable to bear his full weight on his left leg for more than a few seconds when transferring from chair to bed and vice versa.
At this time Bill’s wheelchair, his only form of mobility, has the following features:
· 8" hard plastic front casters
· 20” hard plastic back wheels
· Carbon steel frame
· Composite, Mag-style wheels
· Total weight of 49 lbs.
We are looking to purchase a High-Quality Wheelchair that has these features:
· T-6 Aircraft-grade aluminum frame
· 24″ x 1¾” wire spoke wheels with soft rubber tires
· Double cross-braces
· High-grade flame retardant, breathable nylon upholstery
· Adjustable toggle wheel locks
· 8″ x 2″ soft rubber front caster
· Weighs only 32 lbs.
Bill has repeatedly told me that I am the reason for him still being alive. He feels that if not for me he would have died when his stats dropped when he had an allergic reaction to post-operative medication or when he suffered a 7 cm saddle blood clot. He tells me often that if not for me he would be “in a home”, all alone, not living the life he has with me. When he says those things, I respond with “I’m your wife and I love you, there is nothing I wouldn’t do for you”. That being said, I have to do something I’m not really good at – I need to ask for help. I need to ask others to help ease the financial stress of purchasing a new High-Quality wheelchair for Bill. Bill’s insurance only covers 80% of the cost of a standard wheelchair which lasts only 2 years. Any amount that is received will be appreciated.
Bill and I thank you for taking the time to read this. Your support over the last 6 years has been invaluable and we cherish each and every one of you.
Organizer
Elizabeth Mira Vorhoff
Organizer
Saint Clair, MI