UPDATE: I have purchased the wheelchair quoted below on an agreed on payment plan. It’s around $90/week until it’s paid off. It’s still going to be difficult to pay off however so I still hugely appreciate any further donations. I’m so grateful to everyone who has already shared and/or donated, I wouldn’t have been able to put the deposit down without you guys. As for the wheelchair, it’s amazing! I can get around the house in it if i need to and it’s so adjustable, I can take off or move any part of it. Thank you guys :)

Hi. My name is Nia. I'm 20 years old.

I don't use a wheelchair every day, but with university starting this year, I know I will be needing to use one most days to get around campus safely and comfortably.

I live with FND, namely non-epileptic seizures, POTS, chronic nerve entrapment and endometriosis. These conditions make mobility and pain management very challenging for me. I do have a wheelchair, but it's definitely not a good fit. It's one I bought when my symptoms started getting more frequent and severe, for $200. It's big, clunky and uncomfortable. It puts lots of strain on my hands and exacerbates my hip and back pain. The fact that it is wider than I am can be a risk when I have a seizure; I'm not snug and I can move about in the chair.

This is where a good, properly fitted, custom wheelchair will be much better for me both short and long term. It will support my posture, reducing back and hip pain, protect my hands and wrists and ensure I'm safe in the case of a seizure. It will also be a lot easier to get around in on campus and even socialise more, being only as wide as necessary and being able to fit through doors without risking my fingers.

I hate asking for help, but realistically, I can't afford to do this by myself. I live on $400 weekly Disability Pension, which pays for rent, petrol and groceries. Having to pay tuition now is even more of a squeeze on my bank account. Because I'm either sick or in pain pretty much every day now, I haven't been able to work and earn extra, so saving by myself for a properly fitted wheelchair just isn't possible. I have asked my Dad for assistance but unfortunately he’s unable to help.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am working on portfolio work to maybe get into a tattoo apprenticeship at some point. I will gladly draw up something for you as a thank you for your kindness.

This is the quote I’ve received for a chair suitable for me ^^

Again any help at all would be actually amazing. Thank you for reading all the way to here, you're amazing

Nia

Update: Thank you guys so much for getting me to $300!!! I just can’t express how grateful I am for all your help. Thank you <3