Many people online know me by a few different online identities such as Faolan or Smudge. But my real name is Matthew. I am 17 years old as of December 2025. This is the story of my disability and loss of the life I loved.

Ever since I was young, I've been a bit odd healthwise. Very flexible, always bruised, and my body always hurt. Around 2021, my symptoms slowly started to get worse after my second severe dislocation. From there, it's been one thing after another. In November 2023, I started having severe and mysterious medical episodes that left me in the ER many times. Even now, its still a mystery. After these started, my arms have grown weaker, and my condition has worsened. After my parents passed away in May 2024 and August 2024, I have been left with little assistance in obtaining nutritional items, receiving medical care, transportation, and advocacy. I have even had to leave school almost completely. My old school was inaccessible and extremely far, and even with independent study, my condition affects me so much I cannot focus on schoolwork. It continues to worsen day to day. I have many symptoms that make my life harder. I can no longer eat or shower regularly. I have not cleared a plate in weeks, and have not eaten without extreme pain in over 8 months. I cannot leave my home without my knee braces and a cane, and hobble slowly and painfully without them.

Why I Need Mobility Aids:

These issues that seem to be chronic have made my life much more difficult. I rarely move without being in pain, and sit at a 7/10 when resting most days. My knees regularly slip out of place when not supported by braces, and sometimes even with my braces on. I can be laying down, and my knee could dislocate out of nowhere, causing me pain. I can easily pop them out of place with just my fingers. And while I do have a cane, even my doctor has stated it is not supportive enough. I would like to have the forearm crutches for when my arms are in minimal pain and have some strength so I can get around, and a wheelchair for days where my arms cannot support me and are in extreme pain.

Why I Need Financial Assistance:

I am currently undergoing testing still, and with the nature of my clinic (small, without specialists), it will be months before I can see anyone who can help me. And until these results come in, my insurance will not cover these aids. My doctor unfortunately can only send in an HME for better, more fitted knee braces (as mine cause my legs to swell). I come from a place of poverty and cannot fund these things without coverage or assistance, but I cannot get around without support. I don't want my life to stop simply because I don't have money.

Note:

The forearm crutches are meant to be a permanent addition to my arsenal. As for the wheelchair, the lower price is because this wheelchair is intended to be temporary, until my insurance will cover a new one. At that point, this one will be donated to someone in need. The purpose of the fridge is to safely store my necessary nutritional items (protein shakes, snack bars, overnight oats, other light foods) somewhere safe and accessible.

Please help me earn independence and get my life back on track. Any help is appreciated, even if it is just a dollar, or sharing my link and my story.

SmartCrutch Forearm Crutches (https://smartcrutch-usa.com/products/custom-forearm-adults-crutches-patented-pivoting-forearm-heights-411-to-67-250-lbs-3): $239.99 (+ shipping) = $250

Drive Medical Silver Sport 1 Wheelchair (https://www.walmart.com/ip/15423452?sid=c4e78bf8-d07c-4d44-bd25-1fd548444afd): $124.95 (+ shipping) = $135

Upstreman Mini Fridge (https://www.amazon.com/Upstreman-Adjustable-Thermostat-Refrigerator-Black-BR321/dp/B09RWFZTWW/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_maf_1?crid=1RCKSIWALXGLK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wnVM0Q1qFZ0AKd3jGHpTAkkqdGPNpxCPdOzG3xUsdi1wcXKOeg5OtCTS1gZm0y8ZdR7NHwLq1NwcvwbZckJ6vBnUL4dpKiL82P9Z3kiyNC9GHuHInnMAgx4VCBFUBNZAGB9K8qO3TDE3Nk1Iw_isBMQ5UW-TNxg6BHR389h7-mgWA6DApTSBwaOG3DmwFVDXQHAT-bq3pWFV0veZra1JwA.qGh6AiBQoThaVC8ojjgNhdIMmmV1--2ZsCqyWPHmmow&dib_tag=se&keywords=mini+fridge&qid=1768365636&sprefix=mini+fridge+%2Caps%2C262&sr=8-3): $159.99 (+ shipping) = $170

Taxes & Surprise Expenses: $60

GoFundMe Total: $615