Hello,

My name is Gina Dunneback , and I’m raising funds for my son, Will, who has been bedridden and living in a nursing home for nearly nine years after surviving an accidental drug overdose that caused a severe anoxic brain injury.

Will is now 36. Before his injury, he struggled deeply with his mental health and turned to self-medicating to cope—a path many families know all too well. Despite the pain, he was always sensitive, funny, and full of heart. He’s still that person today—verbal, aware, and very much present.

For the first few years after his injury, Will seemed relatively content. His brain was still healing, rerouting pathways, and adjusting to his new reality. But as time passed, he became more aware of his limitations—and more deeply affected by them. Over the last few years, he’s begun to express feelings of loneliness, boredom, and despair. He talks about wanting his life to end—though thankfully he’s unable to act on that, as he is now essentially a quadriplegic. He is confined to his bed 24/7, except for the once-a-week walk outside around the facility we’re able to give him during warmer months.

Our visits are his lifeline. We take him outside for fresh air, music, and connection. But we’re limited—severely limited—by the basic wheelchair provided by the nursing home. It’s not built for a 6’1”, 200-pound man with no body control. After just two hours, Will is in extreme pain in his tailbone,

legs and with the placement of his arms. When we leave, we often have to leave him sitting in that chair until someone has time to return him to bed—which only adds to his discomfort and sense of helplessness.

Medicaid will not pay for a custom wheelchair as long as Will resides in a skilled nursing facility. And the nursing home simply can’t afford to provide something tailored to his needs. That’s why I’m here—asking for help, even though asking doesn’t come easy for me.

Our goal is to raise $15,000 to cover:

• A custom-molded, motorized wheelchair designed specifically for Will’s body, with SmartDrive technology that allows us to assist in maneuvering him without strain. It would allow him to sit for longer periods of time without pain which would open up his world greatly.

• Adaptive tools and comfort items for his room—to help keep his mind engaged and supported. I would especially love to find a way for him to access water on his own.

• More movies on Prime Video, which are his only real form of entertainment. Will receives just $37 a month from Social Security, which doesn’t cover much of his personal needs. I provide all of his clothing, toiletries, some food and any other extras that are needed—including movies, which are honestly his only escape.

If for some reason we were to go over our goal significantly we would love to purchase a used wheelchair-accessible transport vehicle so we can take him to the park, to hear live outdoor music, to come home for holidays or cookouts with his family. The nursing home typically only provides transportation to medical appointments which I am so grateful for.

I know times are hard for many people, and I completely understand if you can’t contribute financially. However if you’re able to share this page with others, it would mean so much to us. Whether you give big, small, or simply with a share, you are helping us expand Will’s world and show him that he is still seen, still valued, and still worthy of joy.

This isn’t just about a wheelchair.

It’s about freedom from the four walls and quality of life—for someone who is still fighting to feel alive.

With love and gratitude, Gina