Maybe I’ll Struggle, But You’ll Never See Me Quit

Your support is the beacon of hope I need on this challenging journey towards enhanced mobility and independence.

I’ve launched this GoFundMe campaign with a heartfelt plea for assistance in acquiring crucial mobility devices to improve my independence and keep this body flowing while my disease chips away at my bones. It can be anyday that my body decides that it doesn’t want to get up anymore so with my bone density getting worse; I want to enjoy this time as long as possible - so let’s give it a shot with this GoFundMe campaign.

☑️ THE ASK ☑️

I will begin raising funds towards new sets of customized light-weight forearm crutches, a cutting-edge carbon fiber wheelchair that folds for traveling, an electric mobility scooter (a replacement), and the possibility of an exoskeleton robotic suit that I can use at-home for improving my walking. One step at a time towards freedom of movement. My mobility is so important to me.

My path has been anything but easy…. It’s sad but true. Especially while living in a world that is not accessible and yet most times, individuals aren’t putting themselves into perspectives to undertake everyday basic challenges to be relatable. I can’t become flustered for being the first person who looks like me; and is going around town but folks aren’t sure how to handle a basic access plan. The mountains of non-access problems are so nauseating - minimally from stairs to get where you need, no ada doors, no ada parking, broken everything - Please understand that the world doesn’t work in favor of accessibility; it’s always “an after thought.” Or not a thought at all or it costs too much.

Government programs have repeatedly let me down, dismissing my needs and challenges. I’ve chased federal and local programs on countless calls, emails and hour long wait times. Years of this chase on organizing efforts in advocating && I am so completely exhausted that my personality had changed - I was low key bitter for a bit because I couldn’t get help from anyone- I was in pain & tired. (So was CoCo). My mind couldn’t handle anymore of going down a rabbit hole to come out empty handed or ignored. Vivaair breaking my scooter after stealing it before a flight, Michigan Rehab Services denial of a scooter because I needed to use for home and not just work, or how about housing discrimination with my former caseworker at City of Detroit - Civil Rights Department who dropped my case because she didn’t morally feel obligated to help a disabled woman facing federal equal rights housing discrimination Issues..—- wow! That’s all I have to say — but there’s many, more stories to share and one easy way for me to handle my day-to-day is with mobility. I need my wings to fly. And fly circles around these fools that try to clip my wings!! I’ve already put in the work- I’ve overcome 14 surgeries and I’m still here. Im faced with a never ending game of how-to work allll energy in my favor. I’ve worked so hard for so long, I need to enjoy with more brightness and depending on myself with support of this campaign.

Instead of going in circles with insurances, advocates, government departments, people who just don’t have the time or desire, in general —— im rethinking my approach

Here’s what I’m about to do❤️ im launching to the sky using my network to help me get there.

Connection is what we desire and admiring the ones who go against the grain when all odds are against you, that’s more than guts over fear.

This life is a mission sent — heaven sent, and don’t you forget it. I had a conversation with God to request fulfillment of this calling— I knew how hard it would be & I was willing to sponge the pain to change mindset on every level of awareness. This is the main reason that I get up everyday. Not only is this impossible — there’s other people going thru worst things, keep that always on the mind.

When someone asks me what gets me up in the morning?

God, and all my angels and soldiers surrounding me. I am never in fear that I won’t make it, I won’t get there.. I’ll be in pain forever or other.. I never have those moments of doubt because everything passes in time. There’s a beautiful pot waiting at the end of the rainbow. that’s what I hope for, that’s how my heart ticks. I want to live and I need to fly. I want to see what’s waiting at the end

My whole life has felt like my back has been up against the wall, nothing available to help me; everything was a policy, interview, application and more. Too much, I felt like I was a criminal but really it felt illegal how bad I was treated. Unequal rights and civil rights - just to start but I just refuse to give up on my dream of reaching the entry without crushing this energy. I can hardly take care of myself with basic needs like grocery shopping, walking my service animal, doing dishes or laundry.. and acquiring mobility devices will give me those opportunities- to take care of my basic life needs, basic human rights that I struggle to complete while others take advantage of such programs, making them harder to obtain.

I pray for the freedom to move, to live a life without these obstacles. With your assistance, I can have the resources I need for a life that’s not weighed down by challenges. The equipment I require is expensive due to my unique circumstances, and no matter how hard I work, it’s never enough to cover these costs.

That’s why I need to reach out - I hate asking for a handout, but when there is a will in there is a Way. I need more resources or I’m not going to make it, I can feel the world changing. My body is changing. Time is of the essence.

Your contribution, regardless of its size, is a lifeline for me. It’s a symbol of community, support, and belief in the possibility of a brighter future. Together, we can break free from these challenges and open doors to a life full of possibilities.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. #MobilityMatters #OneStepForMeli

below are the resources that I am seeking:

Gotcha Scooter

Foldable wheelchair for traveling

Exoskeleton suit by Biomotum