Jamie's Power Wheelchair Medical Fund

Hello and welcome to my wheelchair fund! If you know me, you probably know all about my chronic illness! If you don't know me, here's a little recap. I was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when I was 3 years old. Back then (31 years ago) it was juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. But these days we're calling it juvenile idiopathic arthritis, because doctors like to say "IDIO n't know what the hell is going on" LOL I'm glad I pay $100+ co pays for their jokes.

Anywho. For years I've known sooner or later I would need a chair. It's come sooner than I'd like. And although that may sound like internalized ableism, it's because I know this world is not accessible for disabled people like myself and that's what scares me. Buying my first walker/wheelchair back in March of 2021 was such an emotional experience. I felt I was giving up independence and gaining it at the same time. I knew on hard days I would need to be pushed. My husband, being the incredible man he is, of course would push me anywhere and everywhere until the day I die. But I don't want that for him either. I want us to be able to enjoy adventures independently, together. I also want to be able to do things on my own and not have to rely on having someone to push me. Taking the dog on a 'walk' down a nature path by myself is something I so want to do on a regular basis. I also want to get involved in more community and networking events, a lot of which require a lot of standing and/or walking. A power wheelchair gives me the independence and freedom I've (we've) been craving to go out and do things that so many people take for granted.

If you feel so inclined to donate, words cannot express my gratitude. Any little bit helps. If you cannot donate, please share. If you don't like sharing these things, then please be an advocate for people like me and speak up when you see places or events that aren't easily accessible for disabled people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. 
Please always remember, you can't tell if someone is disabled by looking at them and ambulatory wheelchair users exist!

 

The fundraiser goal is for not only a power chair but for necessary accessories like a trailer platform for transporting. Any donations made there after will go towards medical bills/debt. 

 

Thank you all!

Namaste!

 

Jamie