Help Chris Get A Powered Wheelchair

I was stopped at a red light, when a negligent motorist rear ended my van at a high rate of speed (i.e., 55-plus miles per hour). I awoke from an unconscious, concussed state into a world of darkness. Within a split second, and for the second time in 16 years, my life dramatically changed (the first accident blew my C-5 vertebrae thru my spinal cord, which left me paralyzed from the chest down, after I dodged an oncoming truck).

Right before impact this time, I remember looking in the rearview mirror before contact with the speeding vehicle was inevitable and thinking my neck is not going to be able to take this hit.  "In a split second, I wanted my mother and family to know I love them; and, I am O.K. dying this way. I'm content with the life I've lived."

I am lucky to be alive. However, the recklessness and speed of this rear-end collision literally threw my 80-percent paralyzed, 6-foot, 4-inch body into the back seat area of my van. This accident left me with two broken legs, a dislocated shoulder, a chipped cheekbone, several lacerations, and a broken power chair. For someone who is supposed to be paralyzed throughout 80% of his body, I was in a world of pain I had not experienced in 16 years, even with morphine and pain killers.

So, more BAD news struck in the following days. After several thousand miles of wear and tear, now my main chair and back-up chair are in a state of disrepair from the accident. And, I’m using parts off the backup to keep my main chair running. Sadly, this is just a snapshot of the numerous barriers that many wheelchair users face on a daily basis.

MY ASK & DREAM FOR ALL WHEELCHAIR USERS

Since I’ve been dealt another blow to my life, I’ve decided to raise money to help pay for a new state-of-the-art power chair. I will help build it, as a prototype for the physically disabled community in Kentucky, first, then nationwide. This NEW POWER CHAIR will have all the technology needed for me to navigate the world, so I can move forward, as a case manager, to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Any help in this endeavor would be extremely appreciated, no matter how big or small. I’m so thankful for any help I receive to get to live out my dreams in our community, to ride gracefully to serve a vulnerable population of developmentally disabled people, and to potentially help provide an innovative, less costly option for an estimated 1.7 million wheelchair riders.
One of these powered chairs cost about $12,000 which is one third to 40% cheaper than the current, power chairs available in the states. AND, I will help build it, as a prototype for the physically disabled community in Kentucky, first, then nationwide. 

My dream is to raise enough funding to purchase a new state-of-the-art wheelchair that would give me the ability to return to work, navigate my environment in a safe and confident manner, and to reestablish a level of independence that is congruent with my expectations and desires to take advantage of each day that I'm alive.

Any help would be greatly appreciated no matter how large or small. I have one of the greatest support systems anyone could ever imagine, which continues to help me live a fulfilling life with the support and love that my friends and family. Thank you! 
Sincerely yours,
Chris "Catfish" Lanham