Help Darcie Keep Her Job

“You can’t go back to the office like this,” said my friend as she helped me stagger into my apartment using the walls for balance. With shortness of breath due to congestive heart failure, nerve damage in my feet and legs, arthritis in my knees, hands and back, I’ve lost my ability to walk without losing my balance or doubling over in pain. I can stand for maybe 3 to 4 minutes if I'm holding on to something.

I’ve worked in education all my life as an advisor, career counselor, occasionally an instructor. I love helping students and it has been the joy of my life. I’ve spent the pandemic working from home helping provide unemployed students with free job retraining. However, now I’m being required to return to the office by Sept. 13 and I just don’t walk well enough to commute to campus (I can’t drive anymore), walk to different offices and buildings, and even walk to use office equipment (fax machine, photocopier, office printer) inside the office.

But I could do it with a power chair! I’ve done the research, and a good, sturdy, well-made power chair will cost me around $3000.00. A power chair will allow me to keep my job and continue as a productive member of society. Last December I fell in my apartment and the fire department had to come break open my door to help me up. I’m afraid that if I go to work with just a walker, I’ll fall again. Too many falls and I might get fired, or break a bone. But you don’t fall if you’re in a power chair.

I live in an expensive part of the country (Seattle). I live by myself and it’s very easy to become homeless here. While my niece offers me emotional support, I have no family that can or will help me financially, so I am turning to the friends and kind strangers here. Thank you.