A Wheelchair For Priscilla

I'm missing my son's life. I want to be a part of it, not just catch glimpses of it from my bed.

MY DIAGNOSIS: 

For years I've suffered unexplained extreme exhaustion and intense pain, but try hard to keep my chin up and keep smiling. After many, many tests, doctors, specialists, meds, supplements,  and various attempts at different therapies and natural remedies, I’ve been diagnosed with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and Fibromyalgia. 


While there’s a wide variety of symptoms and severity in how these illnesses affect different people, the disease has been pretty extreme for me. I can’t walk without significant pain in my legs and feet. I can’t stand for long without getting dizzy, fatigued and shaky. I experience intense exhaustion several times a day and struggle with simple things, like washing my hair or getting a meal ready. If I do walk for even a little, I'm in pain for hours, or even days afterwards. This has necessitated my use of a wheelchair full time. 


THE SOLUTION: 

Because of these severe symptoms, my doctor recommends I pursue getting a custom wheelchair and power assist. 

I have a second hand wheelchair that I began using this year at home (previous years I’ve used it mostly just for outings). It brought some relief and allowed me to engage more with life, but I have quickly realized that it does not fit me  and is causing additional back pain and shoulder pain from the chair being the wrong size for me.

Following my doctor's recommendations, I met with an occupational therapist and assistive technology professional in the middle of August. We took measurements at a second meeting at the end of September. They took wheelchair measurements and talked over options with me. I learned two things: 
 
- My concerns for my health are warranted, and a properly fitting, lightweight chair and power assist would bring significant relief. Custom wheelchairs are designed to fit like a prosthetic and are unique to each individual. Comfort and support that leads to greater independence is achievable.

- Even with Insurance help, the out of pocket cost will be large. 

THE OBSTACLES:

- My current chair is worn out (7 plus years old) and not sized correctly for me and is increasing my pain and exhaustion and will cause long term damage.

- My insurance company is unwilling to cover the lightweight chair I need. They will partially cover a heavier chair which will only make my symptoms worse.

- Without help, I will struggle to maintain my health at its current level and lose more and more independence.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Help me purchase a:

- CUSTOM ULTRALIGHT WHEELCHAIR
- SMART DRIVE POWER ASSIST

(All funds will go to paying for these. If there are any extra funds, they will go towards installing an ADA ramp at our Pennsylvania home for me to get in and out of our home safely.)


I'm missing my son's life. I want to be a part of it, not just catch glimpses of it from my bed. Especially this year with COVID, now, more than ever I need to be able to get around to give my son the best school year possible.

I want to go on a date with my husband and be a couple on a date, not a patient and caregiver.

I want to help my family with simple chores (dusting and meal preparation) and errands (grocery shopping and post office), not watch and wait helplessly until someone is able to take care of it for me. 

Please consider supporting me as I reach for hope and healing this fall. 

ANY AMOUNT WILL HELP.  PLEASE GIVE AND SHARE.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO GIVE, THAT'S OKAY, YOU CAN STILL HELP.  PLEASE SHARE. 

IF YOU KNOW ANY ORGANIZATION, SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER, OR BUSINESS THAT MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN PARTNERING WITH ME. PLEASE LET ME KNOW. TOGETHER, WE CAN GET THIS DONE. 

I CAN'T DO THIS WITHOUT YOU.

Thank you and God bless!