My name is Enya and I am a 23 year old woman living in the Hunter region of NSW.

I study biomedical science at university while working and volunteering in the disability sector.

I am raising funds to purchase a second hand wheelchair with power assist (joystick attachment).

For those who do not know my story, I live with a genetic condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. This condition affects the way collagen is formed in the body; without healthy collagen, any part of your body that contains collagen (most of it) also suffers. For me, this condition has resulted in deafblindness, bladder failure (requiring a permanent surgical catheter), gastrointestinal issues including gastric failure (awaiting enteral nutrition), heart and valve disease, spinal cord compression and much more.

For disabled people in Australia, NDIS is a scheme to help fund equipment for your disability. Unfortunately, NDIS has rejected many applications to meet access under my physical disability. This means that over the last 5 years of severe degeneration of my disability, I have been self funding (and crowd funding) everything related to my disability including catheter supplies and my current wheelchair and power assist.

My most recent application has once again been denied; my close support network have been helping me to have this reviewed. Unfortunately, even if my application is reviewed and accepted before the end of 2026, I will not have the correct funding for these disability supports (particularly mobility supports) until late 2027/2028.

This is why I am looking for support to purchase a second hand wheelchair with power assist.

Why is my current wheelchair not suitable?

My current wheelchair setup is what I like to call my 'Frankenchair'.

My wheelchair is a TiLite aluminium rigid frame (second hand) with an Icon rigid backrest (second hand) and a 2019 model smartdrive MX2+ (second hand) which has already required a new battery and now needs new rollers and push button. To make this chair more suitable, I have also had to add some DIY fixes such as a yoga block on the footrest to keep my knees at a better angle and a luggage strap as a makeshift seatbelt/leg stability.

This wheelchair has served me well and has brought me increased independence. Due to a lack of therapies like physio and OT alongside ongoing medical issues like malnutrition resulting in rapid weight loss and muscle atrophy, my support needs have increased as my functional capacity has declined.

This decline has led to having to put in a leave of absence for my volunteer positions, lowered capacity for my university degree, injuries/falls and an overall decline of my personal care and socialisation.

What do I need?

The wheelchair that I have found that is most suitable for all needs (incl. cost, transporting and support) is second hand and has been put on hold for me, awaiting payment.

A brand new wheelchair like this can reach an estimated cost of over $15-20,000

The more support that is required, the higher the cost becomes. Power assist alone costs over $10,000

The wheelchair is up for $9000, the goal of $10,000 will cover the extra fees of GoFundMe (2.9% + $0.30 per donation)

For those who prefer, I have also set up a PayPal link:

https://paypal.me/wheelyenya

Future needs

Right now, a suitable wheelchair is my priority. If this goal can be achieved, I will be increasing the goal for further future supports including:

1. Assessment, fitting and cost for AFO braces - AFO braces will allow me to improve my mobility with OT and physiotherapy and will hopefully allow me to gain some strength again and walk with crutches for short distances

Approx Cost - $5000

2. Ongoing wheelchair repairs and associated costs - this includes things such as battery replacements for power assist, new tyres/tubes/wheels as needed, new pressure cushion etc

Approx Cost - $5000

3. Smaller, low cost assistive aids - wheelchair gloves, jar/bottle opener, adaptive shoes, dressing aids, catheter supplies etc

Approx Cost - $2000

MY GOALS

With the help of my community, I have set goals both financially and personally to encourage sharing and donations.

Financial:

Personal:

All donations and interactions will help me to reach this goal

What can you do?

Donations from PayPal/PayID

Total: $350