Keely’s New Wheelchair
Donation protected
I’m in need of a new wheelchair to keep my mobility and to be able to keep up my daily activities of volunteering and attending crucial doctors appointments. Unfortunately I recently discovered that the government service (AADL) that supplies chairs to Albertans will not cover the full cost of my new wheelchair. I will be left with paying $4000 of it out of pocket. As I am severely disabled and on AISH (Assured income for the severely handicapped) I am already struggling to get by month to month with all my other medical expenses, let alone covering the cost of a new wheelchair. There are 4 categories of chairs (A, B, C and D) of which I need and qualify for a category C chair. Unfortunately there are only 2 options, one of which doesn’t suit my needs, so I can’t simply choose a cheaper chair.
I’ve had multiple health issues over my lifetime which (along with repeat injuries) have left me wheelchair bound for the last 11 years. When I first became wheelchair bound I was only 90 pounds and so got a small chair that was easier to maneuver and propel with my injured arms.
3 years ago I was additionally diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency, the treatment for which is a medication called prednisone. This medication is notorious for weight gain, which has caused me to outgrow my current wheelchair. The sides of the chair are now putting pressure on my thighs which could cause pressure sores and infections. On top of that I am a mere 10 pounds from being over the weight limit of my chair. This leads me to be at risk of having the chair break while I’m in it and myself getting injured and needing to get the current chair repaired.
My OT and I have explored getting my current chair widened and strengthening it but it’s not a possibility. All funds raised through this campaign would be used first and foremost to cover the outstanding cost on my new wheelchair. If (by some small miracle) more was raised than the cost of the wheelchair any remaining funds would go towards buying a new wheelchair cushion (as my current one will be too small for the new wheelchair).
I’ve had multiple health issues over my lifetime which (along with repeat injuries) have left me wheelchair bound for the last 11 years. When I first became wheelchair bound I was only 90 pounds and so got a small chair that was easier to maneuver and propel with my injured arms.
3 years ago I was additionally diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency, the treatment for which is a medication called prednisone. This medication is notorious for weight gain, which has caused me to outgrow my current wheelchair. The sides of the chair are now putting pressure on my thighs which could cause pressure sores and infections. On top of that I am a mere 10 pounds from being over the weight limit of my chair. This leads me to be at risk of having the chair break while I’m in it and myself getting injured and needing to get the current chair repaired.
My OT and I have explored getting my current chair widened and strengthening it but it’s not a possibility. All funds raised through this campaign would be used first and foremost to cover the outstanding cost on my new wheelchair. If (by some small miracle) more was raised than the cost of the wheelchair any remaining funds would go towards buying a new wheelchair cushion (as my current one will be too small for the new wheelchair).
Organizer
Keely McConville
Organizer
Calgary, AB