Hi, I’m Tara.

Five years ago, after a spinal cord injury changed my mobility, I finally accepted that my limitations weren’t temporary. When planning a trip to California with my daughter, I bought my first electric wheelchair — lovingly named Old Blue. It was more than just a chair. It was my ticket back into the world.

Old Blue is lightweight, folds up easily, and can handle just about any terrain. It gave me back the freedom to explore and the energy to keep up with my daughter. With it, I’ve traveled through Greece, explored national parks, and even made it to the water’s edge to scuba dive. Old Blue helped me rediscover adventure — something I thought I’d lost forever.

But during my latest trip to the Berkshires and the East Coast, Old Blue suddenly stopped working. After years of small repairs, this time it’s an electrical issue I can’t fix. My independence has been cut short, and without my chair, I’m unable to go anywhere that requires walking more than 50–100 yards or standing for more than a few minutes.

The specific model I need to replace Old Blue costs about $5,000.00, and unfortunately, insurance won’t cover it.

Without it, I can’t take my daughter to our favorite holiday events — like the local markets or the trail of lights — or continue the adventures that bring so much joy and meaning to our lives.

If you’re able to help me replace Old Blue, you wouldn’t just be helping me buy a wheelchair; you’d be helping me reclaim the independence and adventure that make life feel full again.

Every donation, share, and kind word truly makes a difference. Thank you for taking the time to read my story — and for helping me keep exploring.

With gratitude,

Tara