Medical Care & Wheelchair Fund
Hi, I'm Jay Justice . I'm a cosplayer, editor, consultant and advocate. I work to create content that supports and promotes marginalized people in my community. I am permanently disabled due to several chronic illnesses that limit my mobility & cause severe pain, frequent dislocations, cellular damage, fatigue & other not so fun symptoms, throughout my entire body.
I have an invisible disability, which means that you can't tell by looking that I am ill, because there are no visible symptoms. People with invisible disabilities are constantly told "You don't look sick!" and "You're too young to be disabled." Neither of those is true.
I've been disabled for most of my life. I currently use an electric mobility scooter to get around. Unfortunately, my condition has worsened to the point where using my hands is very difficult.
I do my best, but everyday tasks are becoming harder & harder. The hand brakes on my current mobility device require a strong grip that I struggle to maintain on a regular basis, and that I cannot muster during a flare up at all. Because I cannot stand or walk for long periods of time, I need a motorized wheelchair that is specially designed for someone like me. I'm saving up for this one, it comes highly recommended by other disability advocates who travel & are active every day: https://www.ezlitecruiser.com
I'm also fundraising to get medical care for my chronic illnesses & mental health. There is no cure, but I'm pushing myself as hard as I can, for as long as I can. I am constantly working at conventions, libraries & schools to educate others and create safe spaces. The support from my community is what keeps me going. I'm fighting against stereotypes that say disability means you can't do the things you love. It may take longer & you may need help along the way, but you can still get there.
If you'd like to help, please request me as a guest at your local convention, library or school, hire me for editing, writing or consulting jobs, support my shop, or use the links below:
[email redacted] - contact for jobs
http://www.ko-fi.com/thatjayjustice
$ThatJayJustice
http://www.patreon.com/ThatJayJustice
website for work: http://www.jayjustice.net/consulting
Fundraising goals:
$500- repair current mobility device (there are cracks in the casing and parts that need to be replaced asap)
$1500- pay medical bills & continue treatment for chronic illnesses
$3000- cover ongoing treatment & medication for anxiety & depression
$5600- order new wheelchair
All together the fundraising goal is $6000, including fees. I thought about it for a long time and went through a lot of difficulties in my personal life before deciding to talk about this, but the truth is that allowing my illnesses to go untreated for years, because I didn't want to ask for help, has only hurt me and made the situation worse. Because I live in the US where there is no universal healthcare, there aren't a lot of options for chronically and mentally ill people. To ignore your health declining because you can't afford to take care of yourself is to give up. I can't dedicate my life to telling other people not to give up, if I'm giving up on myself. So I'm going to keep fighting. Thanks for coming with me on the ride.