I’ve reached a point where I can’t do this alone. I’m asking for help from my community to make a necessary move that will directly impact my health, safety, and quality of life.

My Story

In 2016, I sustained a spinal injury while undergoing life-saving treatment for uterine cancer. Over the years, my condition has worsened, and I now live with severe chronic pain that requires me to use a power wheelchair for mobility.

In 2018, after surviving viral necrotizing pneumonia, I developed myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.), a complex post-viral condition that affects my body’s ability to produce and manage energy at a cellular level. Because of this, I am now mostly bedbound and unable to work.

I live with my brother, who is autistic and also disabled. We support each other as best we can, but both of us are navigating significant health challenges.

Why I Need to Move

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, we relocated to Gatineau, Quebec at my father’s request so he could help care for me. Unfortunately, after we arrived, his behavior became physically and verbally abusive toward both me and my brother. We have since gone very low-contact, but we remain here without meaningful local support.

Since moving to Quebec, accessing adequate healthcare has been extremely difficult. I’ve been on a waitlist for a family doctor for years. In the meantime, I’ve been assigned to a rotating clinic where doctors will renew prescriptions and make referrals—but they will not complete the paperwork required for disability support.

Because I have not worked in Quebec, I am ineligible for provincial disability assistance. I currently rely on limited federal aid and private disability insurance, which is not enough to meet the realities of living with severe disability.

I’ve continued paying out of pocket to see my previous doctor in Toronto virtually, just to receive some continuity of care.

Recently, after another bout of pneumonia, a doctor here told me they are not equipped to treat M.E. or meaningfully improve my quality of life. I was told my options were a referral to a specialist in Toronto—or Medical Assistance in Dying.

I am not ready to give up on my life.

With the right medical support—particularly a doctor familiar with M.E. and weight-neutral care—I believe my quality of life can improve.

Everything is pointing toward relocating back to the Greater Toronto Area, where I would have access to appropriate healthcare and qualify for Ontario Disability Support Program, as well as other supports that simply don’t exist for me here.

The Reality of Moving While Disabled

Moving is not simple or inexpensive—especially while living below the poverty line and with significant physical limitations.

To safely relocate, I need:

• Accessible housing (no stairs, elevator access, wheelchair-friendly layout)

• A city with accessible public transit and infrastructure

• Professional movers, as I am physically unable to pack, lift, or transport items

• A wheelchair-accessible vehicle rental to transport myself, my chair, my brother, and our  small dogs

• Travel, deposits, and setup costs for a new, accessible home

Even the cost of accessible transportation alone has been quoted between $1,000–$2,000.

How You Can Help

I am asking for support to cover the costs of relocating to a place where I can access proper medical care, live safely, and have a chance at a better quality of life.

If you are able to donate, share this campaign, or support in any way, it would mean more than I can express.

This move is not about convenience—it is about survival, dignity, and the possibility of stability.

Breakdown of Costs

Moving while disabled comes with significant upfront expenses, many of which are unavoidable:

• First and Last Month’s Rent – $3,400

Most Ontario landlords require both upfront. We are searching for a one-bedroom apartment in Hamilton—one of the more affordable areas within commuting distance of the GTA. The average rent is approximately $1,700/month. Aaron would have the bedroom, and I would set up my accessible living space in the main area.

• Professional Movers – $2,000

Due to my physical limitations, I am unable to pack, lift, or move items. Hiring movers is essential to safely complete this transition.

• Accessible Transportation – $2,000

This includes renting a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to transport myself, my power chair, my brother, and our small dogs. Quotes for this service have ranged between $1,000–$2,000.

Estimated Total: $7,400

Fundraising Goal: $8,000

This goal allows a small buffer for additional unavoidable costs such as application fees, utility setup, accessibility needs, and unexpected expenses that often arise during a move.

Reducing Costs Where Possible

I will be selling many of our belongings ahead of the move to reduce what needs to be transported and to help offset some of these expenses. Every dollar raised will go directly toward making this move possible.

This is not a move I can delay or navigate alone. Staying where I am means continuing without the healthcare, safety, and support I urgently need, and my situation will only become more precarious over time.

I’m asking for help because I believe in community care—that we can show up for one another when systems fail us. If you’re able to donate or share this campaign, you are directly helping me access safety, proper medical care, and the possibility of a more stable and livable future.

Every bit of support matters more than I can express. Thank you for being part of helping me get there.