Donate to help me use my wheelchair in the world

My name is Ali, and I have lipedema and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome - both are connective tissue disorders, and I've been living with chronic pain and mobility issues because of them for years. I finally received a power wheelchair at the end of 2022 - fully paid for by my insurance, for which I am so grateful!

Unfortunately, what insurance doesn't cover is a way to transport the wheelchair, which has been a big issue. I traded in my sedan for a cargo van with enough room to fit the chair in; unfortunately, even with the trade-in, my partner and I are now facing monthly payments that are much higher than I'm comfortable with. Attempts to purchase a ramp to get the chair in and out of the van have all been fruitless: any ramps with specifications that will work for my particular chair are too heavy for me to lift in and out of the van, given my connective tissue disorders and how prone I am to dislocations and other injuries as a result of heavy lifting.

I am a full-time student pursuing degrees in Sociology and Women's & Gender Studies. My education is extremely important to me - I'm a straight-A student and would like things to stay that way. Also important is my on-campus work at the Pride Resource Center, where I facilitate an advocacy group that pushes for rights and freedoms for LGBTQ+ students on campus. As much as I love doing these things, I need my wheelchair at school in order to be fully present and not in terrible pain all the time.

All this said, I've found a solution that works for my chair, my vehicle, and my body, but it requires more money than I have. Therefore, I'm turning to the community in the hopes of raising enough money to have a lift installed on my van. The total cost of the lift is $3575, and installation is an additional $1000. Anything I can raise above and beyond that will go into my savings account and be used to help make the monthly payments on the van, thus reducing my anxiety about finances and allowing me more presence and focus for my studies and my advocacy work.

Every little bit helps, and I am deeply appreciative of anyone who is able to give and/or share. Thank you!