Hello Everyone,

My name is Julie Babin, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my husband who is a man that is affected with a condition called Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP). This is a progressive condition that has reached the point where he is unable to walk. Despite doing everything possible to help himself, he’s now in a situation where he urgently needs support.

He relies on a motorized wheelchair for work and daily living. Unfortunately, his chair broke down in November 2024 and has been inoperable ever since. It’s currently sitting in his office, and he’s been using a smaller, temporary chair that is unsuitable for the harsh Ontario winter conditions.

The quoted cost to fully repair his wheelchair is $5,100 (including a new console, battery, charger, and wheels). His work benefits cover only $800. Even after removing non-essential items, the quote remains $3,800. Even a minimal fix—just the battery and charger—would cost $2,100, but even then, benefits only cover $500. Furthermore, the service provider warns this partial repair may fail if the console and wiring need replacement.

He has exhausted every option to reduce costs and sought help from local charities like the Lions Club and March of Dimes but has received no assistance due to the fact that he is employed or simply due to lack of response. Financing options for these repairs are also not possible.

The government provides funding (%75) for new wheelchairs every 5 years through the Assistive Devices Program. However, they do not assist with any repair costs, and these costs are not affordable.

Without this wheelchair, he cannot perform his job effectively or manage basic daily tasks without great difficulty. He is not a person who ever complains, even though he's lost his ability to walk indrpendently. And it breaks my heart when i see him feeling defeated and hopeless as he struggles to find supports.

To help him regain mobility, I’ve started a GoFundMe campaign with the goal to raise enough funds for the full repair ($5,100), but even covering the battery and charger would make a huge difference.

I want to thank you for taking the time to read this story and consider helping. If you are not in a position to provide financial help, I would truly appreciate if you could share this.

Any support means the world to us.

With gratitude,

Julie Babin