Give Michael’s Forrest drive wheels!
Donation protected
Give Michael’s Forrest drive wheels!
The Thief
Multiple Sclerosis is a cruel thief. It has repeatedly robbed Michael Forrest of his ability to participate in the simple things that bring joy and fulfilment – one activity after another. Unlike the frog in a pot of water that doesn’t notice the temperature rising, Michael and his family feel the loss of function over and over, especially the loss of mobility.
It’s been so long since Michael has been able to enjoy cycling and basketball that his family doesn’t even mention it any more. Even when in a manual wheelchair with declining eyesight, Michael continued to make music until his ability to play the keyboard was taken away. Now he needs the assistance of family and carers to rise out of bed in the morning, shower, dress and prepare for the day.
Michael is confined to an electric wheelchair and cannot leave the house without planning ahead and booking a maxi-cab, typically costing $80-$150 to go to each appointment. With weekly physio and multiple medical appointments, it has become impossible for Michael to simply get out for a drive in the country, go to an event or enjoy an outing with friends. Some weeks, Michael can’t even afford to get to his physio treatment.
The Beauty
Michael’s wife Michelle says “Michael’s story is filled with beauty in the midst of suffering. As a family we enjoy the precious moments of fluidity when things are going well and then out of the blue, crash bang, we are all reminded of how MS has affected each of us. Living with MS has impacted the whole family – not just Michael’s physical abilities, but his cognitive, emotional and financial capacity.
“Despite all this, Michael is the most persistent and courageous person we know, filled with compassion and understanding for others. He is the peacemaker in our family and a constant reminder of wisdom for each of us – myself and our two beautiful daughters.”
The Wheels
Michael’s family and friends want to restore some of what MS has robbed from him. NDIS funding provides a range of services and treatments but does not adequately cover the frequent use of a maxi-cab. There is no budget for the additional activities that make for quality of life, such as going out for a coffee, visiting friends or going for a drive in the country.
Michael needs a vehicle fitted for his electric wheelchair to enable him to get to the treatments he is missing out on and have the option to enjoy additional outings. NDIS will contribute to the cost of fitting out the vehicle but will not fund the vehicle itself. This is where you come in – we need your help to give Michael new wheels. Won’t this make a great Christmas for Michael!
Only certain types of vehicle are suitable for fitting an electric wheelchair and NDIS has additional criteria (eg, age of vehicle) for funding the fit-out. Details are still being worked through, so the indicative plan at this stage is for a Kia Carnival mid-range model ($55-57k) plus a year’s insurance and servicing. More details will be posted here as they emerge.
The Forrest Drive
Michael Forrest enjoys a drive in the forest as much as any of us – but cannot get there! If you want to put that smile back on Michael’s face, please donate now and come back often for updates and our fundraising events. Put your encouragements in the comments below and tell others about this GoFundMe page – share it on Facebook or put the link on your social media so they can join The Forrest Drive!
Thank you for your care and support!
The Thief
Multiple Sclerosis is a cruel thief. It has repeatedly robbed Michael Forrest of his ability to participate in the simple things that bring joy and fulfilment – one activity after another. Unlike the frog in a pot of water that doesn’t notice the temperature rising, Michael and his family feel the loss of function over and over, especially the loss of mobility.
It’s been so long since Michael has been able to enjoy cycling and basketball that his family doesn’t even mention it any more. Even when in a manual wheelchair with declining eyesight, Michael continued to make music until his ability to play the keyboard was taken away. Now he needs the assistance of family and carers to rise out of bed in the morning, shower, dress and prepare for the day.
Michael is confined to an electric wheelchair and cannot leave the house without planning ahead and booking a maxi-cab, typically costing $80-$150 to go to each appointment. With weekly physio and multiple medical appointments, it has become impossible for Michael to simply get out for a drive in the country, go to an event or enjoy an outing with friends. Some weeks, Michael can’t even afford to get to his physio treatment.
The Beauty
Michael’s wife Michelle says “Michael’s story is filled with beauty in the midst of suffering. As a family we enjoy the precious moments of fluidity when things are going well and then out of the blue, crash bang, we are all reminded of how MS has affected each of us. Living with MS has impacted the whole family – not just Michael’s physical abilities, but his cognitive, emotional and financial capacity.
“Despite all this, Michael is the most persistent and courageous person we know, filled with compassion and understanding for others. He is the peacemaker in our family and a constant reminder of wisdom for each of us – myself and our two beautiful daughters.”
The Wheels
Michael’s family and friends want to restore some of what MS has robbed from him. NDIS funding provides a range of services and treatments but does not adequately cover the frequent use of a maxi-cab. There is no budget for the additional activities that make for quality of life, such as going out for a coffee, visiting friends or going for a drive in the country.
Michael needs a vehicle fitted for his electric wheelchair to enable him to get to the treatments he is missing out on and have the option to enjoy additional outings. NDIS will contribute to the cost of fitting out the vehicle but will not fund the vehicle itself. This is where you come in – we need your help to give Michael new wheels. Won’t this make a great Christmas for Michael!
Only certain types of vehicle are suitable for fitting an electric wheelchair and NDIS has additional criteria (eg, age of vehicle) for funding the fit-out. Details are still being worked through, so the indicative plan at this stage is for a Kia Carnival mid-range model ($55-57k) plus a year’s insurance and servicing. More details will be posted here as they emerge.
The Forrest Drive
Michael Forrest enjoys a drive in the forest as much as any of us – but cannot get there! If you want to put that smile back on Michael’s face, please donate now and come back often for updates and our fundraising events. Put your encouragements in the comments below and tell others about this GoFundMe page – share it on Facebook or put the link on your social media so they can join The Forrest Drive!
Thank you for your care and support!
Fundraising team: Forrest drive (2)
Rosemary Syndal
Organizer
Endeavour Hills VIC
Michelle Forrest
Beneficiary
Michelle Forrest
Team member
