Help Us Recover From Wheelchair Costs

Hi everyone,

My name is Zakary, and I live with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and dysautonomia. Only finding out about it in the last 4 years.

I grew up as a lively dancer. Since the age of five, I was always dancing, singing, and performing on stage. When I began experiencing burning, unbearable pain in my hips and knees, I kept it to myself because I didn’t want to lose the thing I had loved my entire life. I remembered being extremely hypermobile as a child—back in kindergarten, my knee would sometimes pop out of place just from sitting.

Over time, things got worse. I started feeling faint and even passing out on my way to class. By the time I finally spoke up, I was in unimaginable pain. I had to stop dancing completely, and even standing left me feeling faint and unsteady. With the help of my grandma and after a lot of research, I began seeing doctors at Valley Children’s Hospital, where I was tested for POTS and evaluated for my hypermobility. The results confirmed what we suspected.

Since then, my life has changed in many ways. I transferred to an alternative school that allows me to rest and complete work from home. I take pain medication that at least allows me to sleep at night, though the pain never truly goes away. Every day, I live with it. Over the last three years, things have only gotten worse, becoming more degenerative. I can stand, but it’s painful and uncomfortable every single time.

And through it all, what I miss most is dancing.

Because of my condition, I rely on a sports wheelchair to move around safely. Unfortunately, Medicaid refused to cover the wheelchair I need, and the one they did provide was such poor quality that it caused more damage to my joints instead of helping me.

Out of desperation, I bought a sports wheelchair out of pocket for $600. Sadly, the seller on eBay removed their listing and refused to accept a return, leaving us stuck with the expense.

I live with my 73-year-old retired grandmother, Nina, and we are getting by with food stamps and help from family to cover our mortgage on our house and essentials. This $600 has been a huge financial setback for us. Getting this money back would make an enormous difference in helping us stay stable and keep up with our basic needs.

If you’re able to contribute, even a small amount, it would mean the world to us. If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign would still help more than you know.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for any kindness you can give.

Where the funds will be going:

My grandma to help us pay for gas,car insurance, Our house payment (which is a BIG one), utilities, electrical, and food that's not otherwise covered by stamps.

you can also send donations towards my venmo directly if you wish.

@zak_exists

With gratitude,

Zak and Nina squire

Visalia, California.