My name is Amber, and I am trying to raise money for a new ultra-lightweight wheelchair.

Almost 18 years ago, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. It has been a long journey to this point with many twists and turns. I want to regain and hang on to my independence as long as possible. The current chair that I am using is very bulky and heavy for me in my current physical situation. With an ultra-lightweight wheelchair, I would be able to load and unload my wheelchair in my vehicle so that I would not need to rely on other people as much for a ride. I would be able to take myself to work at the library here in my town, where I work part-time. I would even be able to take myself to the grocery store and to doctor's appointments. Getting to church on my own without having to coordinate with the other people in my life to find out who is available would be nice. I also help out on Wednesday nights with our church's religious education. I work with high school kids this year, but the previous two years, I also helped with 5th and 6th graders. My kids are a very big part of my life, the best part, and I like to be a part of their lives in any way that I can, and that means being a part of things that they do.

Life is a little extra difficult for a person in a wheelchair and even more so when that wheelchair is not customized to that person and it's a lot bigger, bulkier, and harder to maneuver. There are a lot of places and things in this world that do not take a handicapped person into consideration. I know firsthand the difficulty of even just getting to and using a restroom or even just the ability to get into a building, whether it be a school, a restaurant, a church, or a movie theater. Having a lighter and more compact chair made specifically for me would make those tasks a bit easier.

It seems the lighter the wheelchair, the bigger the price tag. Ultra-lightweight wheelchairs are rarely ever covered by insurance, and that's why I'm asking for your help.

There are many things that I continue to do with the help from people in my life. The people that help me in my life are my mom and dad, my two children, my husband, my aunt, and many other family and friends.

This would be the last wheelchair I would ever have to get. We are able to get modifications to add to the chair for later on as well.

There is also an option to get an add-on power assist for the wheelchair, which is something that is added to the wheelchair to turn it into a power chair. A manual wheelchair, although freeing, can be very hard on the shoulders and over time can cause injuries. Having a power assist device helps to relieve the strain on the shoulders from constant use. It would take the struggle out of trying to go up ramps or long stretches of sidewalk.

I am limited in what I can do and I know that. Multiple sclerosis has taken a lot from me and my loved ones. But I'm hoping and praying that getting this chair will become a reality and in turn will allow me to keep more of my independence and be able to get out and live a little more life and not just watch it happen but experience it as well!