Help Chapin Regain Independence with a Power Chair

Hello!

My name is Chapin, I am 26 years old and I am raising funds for a power wheelchair.

I was born with a form of Dwarfism that was caused by a collagen mutation. This causes my joints and spinal cord to wear down with use.

Growing up, I was athletic. I loved riding my bike, trail rollerblading, playing soccer, dancing in show choir and musical theatre performances, and more. Progressively losing my mobility has been a grieving process—one that has proved to me that using a power chair would give me so much of my independence back.

I have come to terms with the fact that I might not rollerblade long distances like I used to or spend hours at a dance rehearsal, but I miss being able to do my shopping IN the store. I miss being able to cook or go on “walks” with my loved ones.

I am on my fourth year working in Early Childhood Education. I will be moving in May, starting a new job, and beginning the process of pursuing my Master's in Social Work. My dream is to help create and foster accessible resources for marginalized communities. I would love to become a licensed Mental Health Counselor so that I can work to support the communities that uplift me and so many others.

I cannot do this work if I do not support myself. So, in this next chapter of my life, I want to set the foundation for true “self-care.” I want to prioritize my health, give myself grace, and make sure that I am truly living my life to the fullest.

The power chair that I am hoping to get is built for travel and portability. It is less than 45 lbs and can fold up small enough to be approved as an overhead item on some airlines. It has everything that I am looking for in a power chair. This chair will help me keep up with my life while I plan future surgeries; then, it will help me while I am recovering and learning how to walk again (more than once) post-op. I am moving into an accessible apartment in a walkable city and I would love to be able to experience it without causing more damage to my body.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story! I am extremely grateful for any and all of the support that I have received through this process. With a power chair, I will have the energy and stamina to pay all this love and generosity forward. Thank you for helping me start this next chapter off on the right foot… um, I mean.. “wheel” ❤️