Help Erin Get Moving with MS

The Backstory

 

Hi friends,

 

I started this campaign for my wife, Erin Hunter, who lives with multiple sclerosis. For those who don’t know, MS is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease in which a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks their brain and spinal cord.

 

Erin first started experiencing symptoms when she was 19yrs old, but it took 16 more years for her to be properly diagnosed. Unfortunately, due to this later diagnosis, the effects of MS have accelerated; she wasn’t able to begin treatment until much later into the disease.

 

There are four courses that MS can take. She was first diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting MS, the second and most common course. However, her symptoms and disability have worsened over the past five years, and her diagnosis has changed to the third and more severe course, Secondary Progressive MS.

 

Erin is such a giving and kind person, always willing to do what she can to help others. Even as the effects of MS have been taking their toll, she launched a literary magazine to elevate the voices of others impacted by chronic illness and disability. In addition, Erin started a local support group for people in the area who also have MS, because most of the support groups are in the city and are harder to get to. Erin is the type of person who can talk with anyone because she genuinely cares, and is interested in learning about them and developing authentic relationships.

 

Her helping nature doesn’t stop with people; before MS took its toll, she volunteered at local animal shelters and is a self-professed “bug saver.” If there is a spider or any other little insect friend in the house, she immediately grabs a Tupperware and sets the bug free.

 

She is always there for others, and now she needs others to be there for her.

 

Erin experiences constant pain, burning, tingling, and numbness in her lower back, legs, and feet. Heat intolerance, bouts of double vision, vertigo, and dizziness. Cognitive issues, including memory, focus, retention, losing words, and stuttering. Muscle weakness, spasticity, and atrophy, including difficulty holding objects and limpness in her fingers and hands. Trouble walking and standing due to poor balance and gait and hyperextended knees. Foot drop and falling from an inability to lift her feet and legs.

She can’t walk without braces and assistive walking aides, like a walker and cane. The muscle atrophy and weakness, particularly in her right leg/foot, led to her not driving for almost two years.

 

Despite dealing with this daily, she perseveres to find ways forward.

 

Erin has always been an athlete, playing sports throughout school, including football, volleyball, snowboarding, rock climbing, running, etc. She hopes to continue to be as active as possible and needs our help.

 

Please check below for details on the devices and tools that will let Erin fully embrace her athletic, active spirit again.

 

With a grateful heart,

Caroline, Erin’s wife.

 

The Devices

 

Alinker Walking Bike

 

The Alinker is a revolution in walk assists. It is a three-wheeled, non-motorized, self-propelled walking bike without pedals, designed for the user experience. It is for people who want to maintain an active life regardless of mobility challenges. In addition, Alinker challenges assumptions about people with disabilities and builds an inclusive community.

 

Most medical devices are a technical solution for a body with a problem, emphasizing the "problem." The real problem is that we are humans and have a body, but the body does not determine who we are. So, the Alinker is designed for how we want to live, regardless of mobility challenges.

 

Please donate whatever you can, so Erin can get back on the bike and move with energy, excitement, and freedom.

 

"Alinker is a game changer. Able to keep up with my son on a walk while activating my brain without overstressing my body. Thank you for this invaluable invention." – Selma Blair, actress, Alinker user.

 

ROLLZ Performance 2-in-1 Rollator & Wheelchair

 

Rollz Motion Performance is the all-terrain 2-in-1 rollator and wheelchair with air-filled tires for advanced shock absorption. Other add-ons like the extra soft armrests and wedge-shaped seat add to its comfort.

 

This rollator with air tires is designed for frequent use also on uneven terrain, for people who might need to sit longer in the wheelchair function or those who need additional cushioning due to sensitive hands, wrists, shoulders or back problems.

 

This rollator offers shock-free and low-vibration movement, which reduces strain, pain, and exertion while maintaining comfort and stability.

 

 

Please donate whatever you can, so Erin can regain her sense of safety and security as she makes her way in the world.

 

WISHLIST

 

While the two assistive devices above will be hugely beneficial to Erin in maintaining as much mobility in the world as possible, there are devices that would also help ease the difficulty she experiences in other areas.

 

ARP Wave Neuro-Therapy - $25,000

 

ARPWAVE Neuro Therapy is a system of active range-of-motion and other exercise techniques to speed up the body's natural recuperative ability significantly and address atrophy and the muscles' inability to regain strength and muscle density

 

ARP Wave technology stimulates muscles and nerves, which alleviates pain and improves range of motion along with exercise. Muscles naturally contract twice a second, but with ARP Wave they contract 500 times a second. This increase in blood flow allows the patient to feel the effects on their muscles and joints because such a high number of contractions increase blood flow to the affected areas.

 

Faster blood circulation means better muscle nourishment and increased penetration to the points of weakness and atrophy.

 

The device strengthens muscles by making them contract and heals damaged tissue by speeding up blood flow. There is currently no other therapy on the market that brings such spectacular results as ARP Wave.

 

 

 

NuStep UE8 Max Cross Trainer - $7,250

 

Persons living with mobility challenges can get the exercise they need on the versatile NuStep cross-trainer. Its inclusive design and multiple resistance levels enable users to get a low-impact, total-body cardio and strength workout from a comfortable seated position.

 

While Erin can drive using hand-controls, getting to the gym can still be a significant energy challenge, where she uses her energy up just getting to the gym, nevermind working out when she gets there. So having equipment at home that offers the same safe activity level would significantly impact her ability to get much-needed exercise.

 

 

Videos from Erin's Family & Friends

Erin's Life in Pictures


Erin's Mum


Erin's Dad


Erin's Twin Sister Laura


Erin's Brother Christian


Erin's Sister Jen



Erin's Good Friend Rachel


Erin's Good Friend Donny


Erin & Caroline