This fundraiser is to raise money for a power wheelchair for Ramelle C, who for the past 4 years has been living with severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), a debilitating neuroimmune disease that has left them bedbound and dependent on full-time care.

In May 2022, Ramelle and myself (their partner) caught COVID for the first time. While I was able to recover, Ramelle unfortunately was not. After months of ongoing symptoms, doctor’s visits, and testing, they were diagnosed with POTS, MCAS, and most significantly, ME/CFS. ME/CFS has no cure and no approved treatments. It causes profound fatigue, “brain fog,” extreme sensitivity to light, sound, and touch, severe orthostatic intolerance, and a wide range of other symptoms. Imagine the worst flu you’ve ever had, one where you felt so sick that you couldn’t get out of bed. For Ramelle, that’s their every day reality. Because of this, they were forced to retire from their career of working in Props for Film/TV, and from being the main source of income for our small family. I won’t lie, it hasn’t been easy, but Ramelle has stayed a fighter through it all.

Recently, Ramelle has improved enough with medication that they’re able to tolerate more outside stimulation and movement. After many discussions and assessments with Ramelle’s medical team, they have agreed that a custom power wheelchair will be the safest way to give Ramelle some of their autonomy back. Currently, Ramelle depends on me pushing them in their manual wheelchair to get around. A power wheelchair would would make it possible for Ramelle to move around indoors independently, leave the house more safely, attend medical appointments with less risk, and experience a bit more of the world outside their bed.

This is where we have hit a roadblock. Power wheelchairs aren’t cheap. The quote we received for a power wheelchair that will meet Ramelle’s medical needs is $28,745. Our insurance will only cover a maximum of $2,300, leaving $26,445 to be paid out of pocket. With myself working from home to care for Ramelle and supporting our family on a single income, we barely scrape by most months. Affording this mobility device for Ramelle is not something we can manage on our own.

We have exhausted all options and have spent hours looking for funding. Due to the low spousal income cap, Ramelle doesn’t qualify for PWD and can’t access ministry funding in BC. We have reached out to BC Rehab, Kinsmen, charities like United Way, and even emailed our MP. None were able to help. There are no other funding options in BC or Canada for power wheelchairs for people with Ramelle’s conditions.

With no other options, I have created this gofundme to raise the remaining funds to get Ramelle a power wheelchair, and a bit of their freedom and Independence back.

The cost breakdown:

$28,745 - Power wheelchair

$2,300 - insurance coverage

$767 - GoFundMe fees (2.9%)

=

$27,214 Goal

If you’re in a position to help, any contribution would truly mean so much to us. Even a donation as small as $5 adds up. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser is also deeply appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read and for your support.

- Levi and Ramelle