Please help Monica get a wheelchair!

I received a diagnosis of Hypermobile Ehlors-Danlos Syndrome, along with the slew of common comorbidities that come with it. I was told that I would never get better, I would always be in pain, and I will get worse.

Basically, the collagen in my body is made wrong by my body. Instead of it being like a new, springy rubber band...it is more of a dried, cracked rubber band that has been left in the sun and is fraying. The bad part is collagen is what holds, literally, everything together in your body, from your joints, to your organs, eyes, skin, etc. I have dislocated ribs by sneezing at times. I have to tape my collarbone in place. Each morning I have to pop my jaw back into socket.

I have worked hard to help myself get healthier so I can get the surgeries I need. I have attended hundreds of hours of physical therapy trying to build muscle, I stopped smoking. I lost over 50 lbs (still losing as we speak). I have been to specialist after specialist and obtained braces, mobility aids, medications, diet plans, and every test under the sun. I have used kinesiology tape to hold my joints in, so much it looks like clothing on me at times.

Sadly, while there have been some small improvements, I will never get better. It is a day to day situation. One day I could be feeling great and able to walk with a rollator. The next day I could have a bad body day and be unable to walk because my toes have dislocated and I am sobbing just trying to get to the bathroom. I have had to rely more and more on my family to take over household life because I just can't stand long enough to do it.

I have tried my hardest to pay for everything that my insurance doesn't cover. I payed all the hundreds of dollars in co-pays for my mobility equipment and braces. I have spent over $600.00 in aides just so I can sleep in the same bed as my husband safely. But... I need a wheelchair... and unless I am in one full time, my insurance won't even reimburse me (they don't pay for it all, or up-front. You have to buy it). There is no way I can do this on my own.

This is why I am asking for help. I need a wheelchair for the bad days, for events that require me to be standing for anymore than 10-15 minutes, or long distance walking. I had to look for a very specific type of portable wheelchair due to my unique circumstances.

I need one that has a long battery life, and can handle rough terrain, as I live in a rural area. I need it to be electric, as my shoulders dislocate very easily, and my left shoulder has been deemed irreparable and needing replacement. I need shock absorption due to possible dislocation issues. It needs to be portable and able to fit into a car. It needs to have wide arms to take the strain off my shoulders. It needs to be able to have me transfer easily for days I cannot move myself easily in and out of it. It has to have both electric and manual modes, so my husband can take over my chair if needed. A bonus is a remote, where I can call the wheelchair over to me, and have it fold up, so I don't have to rely on my son and husband as much. I have spent over a year looking at chairs, knowing this day will eventually come.

I have found one that meets all the requirements here:

https://miraclemobility.com/product/miracle-mobility-freedom-series-platinum-8000/

The price is $2,599.00 before tax.

I would like to get an extra battery and charger for it, as I live in a remote area, and if I want to go for a "walk" or are away from electricity I can have a backup battery. The charger is in case one dies and also to charge two batteries at once.

Here is the battery for $299.99

https://miraclemobility.com/product/battery-freedom-series-platinum-8000/

And the charger for 59.99

https://miraclemobility.com/product/charger-platinum-8000/

After tax, these three items come to 3,137.57.

I asked for 3500.00 to cover the fees for the fundraiser, and a few additional items for the wheelchair like a cushion for the seat, a bigger grip on the wheelchair remote that won't dislocate my fingers, and a bag to attach to the back to store items including the extra battery.

I appreciate every bit of help that folks can give me. Even if all you can do is share my story, or donate 5 dollars, or direct this to somewhere you know can help... it means the world to me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. If this succeeds, you will have made a huge difference in the quality of my life and will have helped me stay healthier longer.