Michael Ryder's Dream Wheelchair

My brother has a rare neurologic disorder called Adrenomyeloneuropathy (a version of Adrenoleukodystrophy).  There is no treatment or cure for my brother's disease.  He has a long progressive road in front of him.  In Michael's mid-20s, he began having a tremendously hard time walking and after multiple hospital stays, he was finally diagnosed with my grandfather's disease.  My grandfather was diagnosed later in life and died from his disease at the young age of 52.  My grandfather passed this disorder to my mother and then down to my brother.  Michael has progressively gone from occasional falls to difficulty walking to almost wheelchair bound.  Recently, Michael wanted to show his girlfriend how much he loved her and spent 2 hours "hiking" up a mountain that would take us, the average person, about 20 minutes to walk up and then took about an hour to get back down.  His nervous system does not recover as fast as ours and it takes several days for him to recover after an episode like that.  


The beach is a hard work out for him as he has to use his arm crutches since the wheelchair just sinks into the sand.


The only place he has no difficulty is on smooth pavement.  Cobblestone sidewalks/streets make for an uncomfortable ride.


Michael has struggled on vacations due to his lack of access with his current wheelchair but we have tried to always help him whether that means carrying him vs. being a shoulder to lean on vs. changing plans so he could be included.

This is our DREAM WHEELCHAIR!


We are trying to get Michael this wheelchair that will greatly increase his mobility and thus his life.  He used to be such an active child.  He was very active with sports including baseball and soccer.  Michael frequently went on hikes with his family and he enjoyed dirt bike/ATV riding.  Michael also loved riding his bicycle and now is unable to do that.


Michael is now restricted in so many ways since our wheelchair isn't designed for off-pavement trips or on the sand/snow.  His electric scooter has ZERO traction in the snow and living in NY, that makes for a very long and tough winter.

This is the site for further information on our dream wheelchair.   Dream Wheelchair 


This wheelchair will allow Michael to go up hiking trails, go to the beach, and travel safely in the snow.   It will allow him to adventure farther and deeper with his family and other loved ones.   Michael obtained his Associates Degree in Adventure Recreation prior to developing his symptoms with the hopes of working as a rafting guide or park ranger.  His dream job will probably never be fulfilled because of his physical limitations but this wheelchair can increase his access in the great outdoors.

Please help us improve my brother's quality of life.  We truly appreciate anything you can do to help!

Thank you!!!