Hi, I’m Grace.

I live with a rare and extremely complex disability that leaves me reliant on a wheelchair. Life has brought more challenges than I can count—but it has also given me incredible opportunities to advocate for inclusion and help create change for others like me.

At 15, I founded an adaptive skiing program in Fernie and ran it for 10 years. I’ve helped spearhead projects that reduced accessibility barriers, became the first female tandem sit-skier to heli-ski in Canada, and my advocacy has even taken me to the Senate in Ottawa. None of these milestones happened alone. They were made possible by community—by people showing up, believing in something bigger, and working together to create meaningful change.

It’s in that same spirit of community that I’m asking for help now.

And to be honest, the kind of help that would truly be life-changing.

Most people don’t realize this, but the government provides zero financial assistance for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. In fact, they classify them as a luxury. Maybe that makes sense in a major city with accessible public transportation—but I don’t live in one. I live in a rural area where accessible options are extremely limited. For someone with complex medical needs who must regularly travel to places like Calgary or Vancouver for treatment, a wheelchair-accessible vehicle isn’t optional—it’s my lifeline.

In winter, it’s often my only way to leave my home.

Because of this, I took on debt to purchase the only wheelchair van available locally—a 30-year-old vehicle that cost $15,000. To make it roadworthy, I had to put another $5,000 into repairs. Since then, I’ve continued pouring money into it, patching one issue after another, trying to keep it going.

But the reality is becoming impossible to ignore.

My van has broken down four times since this past summer alone. And I have three vital medical trips to Calgary scheduled in the next two months. A reliable vehicle isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, access to healthcare, and the ability to live a full and dignified life.

Here’s the hard truth: wheelchair-accessible vans are incredibly expensive. A new one costs between $170,000 and $220,000—completely unattainable on disability income and limited work capacity. Even a used, reliable option ranges from $50,000 to $90,000.

I’ve reached the point where I have no other option but to ask for help.

I can’t take on more debt. And without a dependable vehicle, my independence—and my access to essential medical care—comes to a halt.

The thought of having a vehicle I can truly rely on brings me to tears. It would change my life in ways that are hard to put into words.

If you’re able to donate, please know that I am deeply and eternally grateful. If you’re not, sharing this fundraiser would still mean the world to me. Every act of support helps bring this dream a little closer to reality.

Maybe—together—we can make safe, reliable transportation possible.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your time, kindness, and support.

—Grace