Casey Gaines Independence with Robotic Arm

Angie Thomas is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Casey Gaines.

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How do I Gain Independence with a robotic arm? #gainesindependence

Hello, my name is Angie and I have decided to set up this fundraiser for one of my cousins. Her name is Casey and she is seeking more independence as she was diagnosed at an early age with a type of muscular dystrophy that leaves it hard for her to perform tasks that many of us take for granted and do on a regular basis for ourselves. So I am helping her raise the funds to purchase a JACO robotic arm. (There are links attached at the bottom that will give more information and even videos of what the robotic arm can do for Casey) The money raised will go into an account the Casey has set up. Once the fundraiser is complete she will use the total amount to purchase the JACO robotic arm.
And here is Casey story…

My name is Casey Gaines and I’m a forty year old wife (of 12 years/ 21 years together) swipe and mom to 2 amazing kids that are my absolute world! Currently, I don’t have the independence that I’ve always dreamed of because when I was 18 months old I was diagnosed with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) Type II. I’ve been dreaming of the day that I could pickup that brush I dropped on the floor, get a bottle of water out of the refrigerator, heck….I’d be thrilled to be able to open it, to be able to cook a meal for my family, get snacks for my kids after school, open the front door and go outside on my own, do a load of laundry, open a jar of pickles when I get a craving for some, grab a super cute tank top off the rack while shopping, turn the light on in the room, if I’m cold – it would be awesome to be able to turn the heat up a degree or six, operate electronics, open the cabinet or drawers, water plants or have a garden, help do my own hair, scratch my nose, rub my husbands back, maybe even play a round of mini golf or some cards….heck….Move Mountains! I enjoy traveling, going to the beach, seeing the newest movies, going bowling, ice skating, watching the Kansas City Royals play baseball, being outdoors, taking the kids to their sport and other activities, laughing with my best friend, spending time with my family, playing with the kids and providing for them and of course spending time with my wonderful husband Kevin.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic condition that affects the nerves that control muscle movement – the motor neurons. It is named ‘spinal’ because most of the motor neurons are located in the spinal cord. ‘Muscular’ is in the name because it primarily affects the muscles which don’t receive signals from the motor neurons. ‘Atrophy’ is the medical term for wasting away or getting smaller, which is what generally happens to muscles when they’re not active. I have been in a wheelchair since the age of four, which has given me a taste of independence….but, I’m still very limited with mobility and range of motion in my arms that will only worsen with time. A JACO robotic arm will not only help me maintain my independence but, help provide assistance with tasks that I am unable to do. Having this arm will mean more to me than I could ever describe. I remember when I first saw a video of someone else using the JACO arm I had this overwhelming feeling of emotions. When I visualize myself using one and actually having it the tears began flowing. I have always strived to have a “normal life” and I have one….but, this one thing. This one arm. This one piece of technology could change my world forever! It is so very hard to explain the feeling of possibly being able to GAIN that kind of independence, that kind of freedom that most people take for granted. Being able to perform these simple small tasks is a GIGANTIC piece of the puzzle missing from my independence.

Unfortunately, the JACO robotic arm is not covered through insurance as it’s not deemed a medical necessity through the eyes of my insurance company. Although, having this robotic arm will help me in so many ways to have a healthier and more thriving life. I strongly believe that independence is something that everyone deserves and should have without a price. So, this is why this page has been created. To help ease the financial costs of receiving the Arm that is going to help me GAIN my Independence and Move Mountains!!! My family and I are forever grateful to each and every one of you for giving and supporting my dream for independence. Below I’ve attached a few links about MDA and the JACO robotic arm so you can see the possibilities and how it would help me.