Custom Wheelchair for Bre

For the past 3 years Bre has been experiencing debilitating symptoms but until recently, none of her doctors could give her a clear diagnosis or explain why this was happening. She finally got in to see a Geneticist and she was diagnosed with something called Mitochondrial Disease. Mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90% of the energy our bodies need to sustain life. In her case, the mitochondria fail to produce energy in major parts of her body including her heart, brain, & muscular system.

The symptoms that Bre experiences on a daily basis include: Fainting, Dizziness, Severe Fatigue, Muscle Weakness/Pain, Nausea and Vomiting, Inability to Regulate Heart Rate and Blood Pressure, Anemia, and Insomnia.

The cells in her gastrointestinal tract no longer produce the energy needed to digest food, known as “Digestive Tract Paralysis”. She now relies on TPN which is intravenous (IV) nutrition that is delivered directly into her bloodstream & bypasses her GI tract completely. TPN provides 100% of her calories, hydration, and nutrients for each day.

Currently, the most debilitating symptom of this disease for Bre is the severe muscle pain and weakness she experiences. Even walking short distances causes burning pain in her legs and her gait is very unstable/shaky due to the muscle weakness. Because of this, she now relies on a walker or assistance from another person to get around. I decided to set up this GoFundMe page to raise money for a custom lightweight wheelchair for Bre. This wheelchair is a bit costly but it will be customized to fit her body and have features that will make daily life easier! This disease has taken a lot away from Bre but I know this wheelchair is going to help her regain her independence & live her best life!