Help Paige Get a Wheelchair!
Donation protected
Hello! My name is Paige, I'm in my thirties, and am in need of a new wheelchair. I'm both chronically ill and disabled, with small fiber neuropathy, fibromyalgia, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (aka ME/CFS), and chronic pain. I'm an ambulatory wheelchair user, meaning I can stand and walk a little, but depend upon a wheelchair to get out of the house. I use my wheelchair to run errands, see friends, shop for essentials like groceries (with help), and get around in general. Without my wheelchair I would be mostly stuck in my home, unable to do the things I need or want to do.
I've had my wheelchair for seven years, and it's been my faithful companion. However, the average lifespan of a wheelchair, at least according to insurance like Medicare, is 5 years. My wheelchair is beat up, needs new tires, and because I'm a little heavier than I was seven years ago, is a little too small for me, as you can see in the photo above. Unfortunately, Medicaid won't cover the lightweight wheelchair made for self-propellers like me. I live solely off SSI (disability benefits), as I'm permanently disabled and can't work. The maximum SSI benefit in 2021 will be $794 a month, and I receive far less than that, meaning there is no possible way I can save up for a wheelchair myself, even though I live with my mother. I already often rely on the help of friends or strangers to cover things like groceries and necessities, like a winter coat.
The wheelchair is $1245 , and would require a cushion that will cost around $50. The rest of the difference is to absorb GoFundMe's fees. If you are able to help me with a donation of any amount, I would greatly appreciate it. Every dollar helps. I'd also appreciate if you could help by sharing this fundraiser on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Sharing is truly just as helpful as donating.
Thank you so much for reading this far, caring, and for possibly donating and/or sharing. Your attention and time means a great deal to me.
I've had my wheelchair for seven years, and it's been my faithful companion. However, the average lifespan of a wheelchair, at least according to insurance like Medicare, is 5 years. My wheelchair is beat up, needs new tires, and because I'm a little heavier than I was seven years ago, is a little too small for me, as you can see in the photo above. Unfortunately, Medicaid won't cover the lightweight wheelchair made for self-propellers like me. I live solely off SSI (disability benefits), as I'm permanently disabled and can't work. The maximum SSI benefit in 2021 will be $794 a month, and I receive far less than that, meaning there is no possible way I can save up for a wheelchair myself, even though I live with my mother. I already often rely on the help of friends or strangers to cover things like groceries and necessities, like a winter coat.
The wheelchair is $1245 , and would require a cushion that will cost around $50. The rest of the difference is to absorb GoFundMe's fees. If you are able to help me with a donation of any amount, I would greatly appreciate it. Every dollar helps. I'd also appreciate if you could help by sharing this fundraiser on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Sharing is truly just as helpful as donating.
Thank you so much for reading this far, caring, and for possibly donating and/or sharing. Your attention and time means a great deal to me.
Organizer
Paige Hanson
Organizer
Detroit, MI