Help Gabi Rock and Roll!

Hi! My name is Gabi, and I need your help to buy a Smartdrive  attachment for my wheelchair! 

My Story 

Now, some of you are probably thinking, “A wheelchair? But I’ve seen you walking. Well, I am a zebra! I have a condition called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hypermobile type.

Why a zebra? People with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) often identify with zebras, since EDS is rare and often misdiagnosed. Medical students are taught, “When you hear hoofbeats, don’t expect to see a zebra.” The zebra was adopted as a symbol meaning, “Sometimes when you hear hoofbeats, it really is a zebra.” (For more information on Ehlers-Danlos, go to The Ehlers-Danlos Society .)(The Ehlers-Danlos Society 2018).


EDS affects the collagen/connective tissue in my body, leading to subluxations/dislocations and chronic pain. I have limited mobility, meaning: I can mostly get around my house and can walk short distances, like going to the store, but I can only walk about 1/2 mile before I need a wheelchair. Any “real life” distance takes a huge toll on me. I then rely on my wheelchair but, due to my syndrome, I can’t push my chair on my own without damaging my shoulders! My family has always been there to push my wheelchair. Now I will need to get around by myself.

 My Goal 

I am hoping to raise $6,500 for a Smartdrive MX2+! This is a lightweight, easy to use, and powerful motor that attaches to my wheelchair. It will allow me the advantages of a manual wheelchair (size, portability) while giving me the motorized support I need. I need your help because insurance does not cover equipment for people who have “limited mobility”, only for those who have no mobility.



 Why the Smartdrive? 

While there are some great motorized chairs/scooters available, these are not a good option for me. Motorized scooters/wheelchairs are large, heavy, and require a car lift for travel.  They are also fairly expensive. The Smartdrive will give me so much independence and opportunity, especially since I have been accepted into a paid college internship program for a semester in Florida!

I am hoping to raise enough money before I leave in August for Florida!!

Thanks for taking the time to look at my page- even $5 helps! You can also help by sharing my GoFundMe on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media.