Wheelchair for Bethel

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disease in which bones fracture or break easily, often without apparent cause or injury. Bethel has the typical characteristics of the disease, such as a chest deformity, joint laxity, hypotonia, lowbirth weight, multiple fractures, and surgeries, which left her with lower extremity and hand deformities. She cannot walk because she cannot bear weight on her legs. She uses a standard wheelchair for mobility with the help of her mother.

Her current wheelchair is falling apart. It limits her from going to school, moving around the house, interacting with her friends, and putting a lot of physical burden on the mother. She has to carry her for any mobility outside the home. Bethel lives in Ethiopia, does not have insurance, and is being raised by a single mom who cannot afford to buy her a new wheelchair.

For the reasons I stated above, Bethel needs a new wheelchair, which must be a power wheelchair, due to her mobility and weight-bearing limitations.

Power wheelchairs are expensive. So I have been working proactively for the past three months to get a new wheelchair for her. I reached out to multiple donation centers, organizations, and local vendors. Unfortunately, I could not get her a power wheelchair as a donation.

Since asking for a donation did not work for us, I have set up a Go Fund Me to buy her a wheelchair called EZ lite Cruiser.

I have done a thorough physical therapy evaluation of Bethel on Aug 19th via a video call with her mom. I have discussed my assessment with a Pediatrics Physical therapist, willing to work with me on this case here in the States, and Bethel's Doctors in Ethiopia regarding this wheelchair. We are sure its features will benefit Bethel and give her independence with wheelchair ambulation.

The wheelchair costs about $3500, including taxes. I estimate shipping to Ethiopia and custom taxes, which I estimate to be $700-$1000. Considering these expenses, I'm planning to fundraise at least $6000. Any remaining money after the costs will go directly to Bethel and her mom to cover other medical expenses.

Even though I had consent from her mom to share Bethel's

pictures, I will not put them on this post to protect and respect Bethel's and her family's privacy. However, please feel free to text me, DM me, or call me for those who would like to see her records or pictures.

For any questions or suggestions, please call/text [phone redacted] or email me at [email redacted].