Keep Prof Machado in the Classroom

Hi, my name is Pablo, and I am looking for help buying a wheelchair car topper. In 2018, I had a sudden onset of muscle weakness, pain, and neurological issues. After years of testing, I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. Unfortunately, due to the length of time from illness to diagnosis, I appear to have developed post-treatment Lyme Disease.

What does this mean for me? Well, my once active lifestyle has dropped significantly. Most days, I can move around the house, but easily get tired as the day goes on. I can't seem to make it through a day without needing a break, and resting for a couple of hours. Then, as the day progresses, the pain in my legs increases, to the point where I sat in my office in tears after teaching class a couple of times this past semester.

While I typically would push myself through the pain, I've come to realize that it has affected both my professional and person life. The chronic pain, cognitive decline, and lost energy started to impact my relationships with coworkers, friends, and most importantly, my wife and two sons.

More recently, my arms have started to weaken, so I've been struggling with using the wheelchair without a motorized assist. Also, where I used to lift my chair into the trunk of my car with ease, now, despite getting upgraded to an ultralight carbon fiber wheelchair, I am struggling to lift it high enough to stow it away. Finally, my legs have been getting weaker, so after stowing the chair, I now have to rest my body weight on the car to make it the driver's seat.

At this point, I am trying to stay off of long-term disability. With this goal in mind, I am hoping that I can remain productive over the next few years by getting a BraunAbility Chair Topper Wheelchair Car Rack (YouTube video example ), so that I can use what energy I have to continue to teach my students and enjoy my time with my family.

For those of you who know me, you know I've been a stoic about my condition. I share bits and pieces of what I've been through, and have tried to maintain a positive attitude. However, with the increasing pain and weakness, my pride has decided to step aside, and let me reach out for help.

Thank you all for your time, and I hope to thank you all in person someday soon.