Mercy 2.0 (A Wheelchair that Works)
Donation protected
Who am I?
--I am 20-something married American woman, born in Virginia and living in Maryland, who reviews books under the name "Jane Gray, the Bookwitch."
What is this for?
--I travel to conventions and go out into the world as much as I possibly can. Unfortunately, poor health and a history of "stupid dancer tricks" are catching up with me. While I try to be active on my own two feet as much health will allow, it's gotten to the point where I'm gonna need a chair to help me get around certain locations. Enter Mercedes 1.0, aka Mercy. Mercy is a damn fine chair and on cement floors, or short pile carpet, or other smooth, low traction surfaces, she moves beautifully. It wasn't until MAGfest 2014 that I discovered a problem. See, Mercy was built for institutional use, not the luscious deep pile rugs of a beautiful hotel and convention center built for luxury. So I spent most of MAGfest either dragging myself along by my feet, being rescued by kind strangers or hiding in the cement-floor convention hall. I realized it was time to retire Mercy to a loftier fate and look into a custom-built rig.
Why do you need this money?
--Custom chairs are a pricey thing. The starting price for the TiLite Aero X (the model I'm looking at) is $1,500. That's without the modifications I'd need (I am tall, leggy, and fairly solid). My insurance won't cover it and I can't afford it alone. This isn't just about me going out and partying, though that will happen. This will give me independence enough to go back to college or get a job, to do my own grocery shopping and other errands. This is going to keep me active and go out into the world to do things, rather than be stuck indoors on days when I hurt too much to go out.
What if you don't need the extra money?
--Then, whatever is left will go to one of the literacy charities listed in this article: http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/10-charities-that-promote-literacy_b42231 or to the Wounded Warrior Project in loving memory of Lance Corporal John D. "JD" Ratliff III.
I believe that everyone, regardless of birth or social status, should have the opportunity to read and I'd like to help that as much as I can. Also, my country's armed forces deserve the help as much as anyone and JD brought this very close to home. I like to think, if he were still with us, he'd probably drag race me, 1.0 vs 2.0.
Why "Mercedes"?
--I have severe anxiety issues and poor spacial awareness, meaning that driving a car or any motor vehicle is not in the cards. So, I like to joke that this is the only way I will ever "drive" a Mercedes. That, and it shortens well to "Mercy", which is a good name for a device that will help me become more independent.
What happens to Mercy 1.0?
--I would like to donate her to one of the local museums for the use of other patrons who have a hard time getting around.
Why "Mercedes"?
--I have severe anxiety issues and poor spacial awareness, meaning that driving a car or any motor vehicle is not in the cards. So, I like to joke that this is the only way I will ever "drive" a Mercedes. That, and it shortens well to "Mercy", which is a good name for a device that will help me become more independent.
What happens to Mercy 1.0?
--I would like to donate her to one of the local museums for the use of other patrons who have a hard time getting around.
Thanks for your time! If you can choose to donate, every little bit helps! If you can't donate, at least boost the signal!
--"Jane Gray, Bookwitch of Book End"
Organizer
Brenna Beattie
Organizer
Arvonia, VA
