Buy an Electric Wheelchair for Mark

We have a Brother that needs our help.  Mark McMahon (Alpha Septaton #172) was my Phi Sigma Kappa pledge class Brother back in 1998 at The University of Pittsburgh.  A few years back he developed a blood clot in his spine.  The lack of oxygen killed his spinal cells and he is now paralyzed from the waist down.  He’s been giving it his best and is extremely self-sufficient now.  However, this has led to some health conditions that make it hard for him to get around.  He has developed carpel tunnel in both hands because of a never say die attitude and not depending on others.  To treat it, he is on opiate-based pain meds for the pain in his hands and shoulder that is torn.  To fix them, he would essentially have to go into an assisted living home for 6-8 weeks because, well, wheelchairs require hands or a hot nurse to push you around.

The alternative is an electric wheelchair.  Money is tight and can’t buy one.  He also can’t apply for a new wheelchair for another two years.  In that timeframe I fear the proposed opiate increase to “treat” his pain will lead to full-blown addiction, possibly liver failure or even worse…
 
In 2011 we lost a dear friend and Brother due to opiate addiction.  Many of us sat by and could have helped him or forced him to get help.  I refuse to ignore another Brother that is in a bad spot.  I propose we raise the money for an electric wheelchair for him so he doesn’t have to wait two more years and increase his pain meds to an insane daily dosage that could destroy his liver or kill him.  These things start around $1500 and go up from there.  A really great one runs about $5K.

Will you help a Brother in need?
 
Sincerely,

Christian Weaver
Phi Sigma Kappa – Alpha Septaton Chapter
University of Pittsburgh

Damn Proud!