Mobility for Mandy

Hi, my name is Mandy (or to some I am known as Amanda), and I'm new to asking for help.

However, I know there are good-hearted people just looking for someone to help, and maybe I'm that person for you.

Here's my story:

One early morning, the beginning of June 2014, I twisted my left ankle while loading trucks at work. I thought it was a simple sprain.... until the pain wouldn't let up, the coloring of my foot became mottled and purple, and the pain was excruciating (even weeks and months after).

After many doctor appointments and physical therapy sessions, it was suspected that this was more than just a simple sprain. Six months after my initial injury, many doctors and assistants later, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

"Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), as it was previously known, is an excruciating chronic, and complex multi-system disease of the autonomic nervous system (dysautonomia), and central nervous system (CNS)." (https://princessinthetower.org/complex-regional-pan-syndrome-crpsrsd/)

CRPS is an invisible illness that causes constant pain, has no current cure, and is rated the highest on the McGill Pain Scale- higher even than the pain of an amputated digit without anaesthetic or unprepared childbirth.

Since my diagnosis, 8 years ago, my condition has spread to nearly my entire body.

I live in constant, excruciating pain 24/7/365 due to CRPS. In addition to the chronic pain, I deal with chronic fatigue, brain fog, as well as other physical symptoms. I try to hide it, so others aren't uncomfortable, but those closest to me can tell. However, I'll always be the first to smile and welcome you, encourage you when you're down, and listen when you need a friend. This condition may slow me down, but I refuse to let it get (or keep) me down. I choose to remain hopeful that maybe one day there will be a cure and relief for myself and everyone else with CRPS.

Due to the debilitating pain, I have limitations on how far I'm able to walk and therefore need to use a wheelchair part time. Now, due to the latest spread of it to my right arm down to my hand, I'm unable to push myself in my manual wheelchair. Therefore, I need to ask others to push/help me, which can sometimes be a burden to them, or strand me if I'm unable to find someone to help (or no one is with me). That brings me to what I'm fundraising for.

I'm here asking that you would consider donating to my fundraiser in order for me to gain my freedom back. I've found an electric wheelchair that would be the perfect answer to the needs of my current limitations. It looks like a manual wheelchair, but is motorized by battery, so I'm able to use my good arm/hand to maneuver around and have the freedom to get out and do things without needing someone with me all the time. This wheelchair also folds up, and is relatively lightweight for easy storage into the vehicle for travel, and it's approved for airline travel, as well.

I appreciate you reading this far, and ask you to please consider donating that I may go on "walks" next to my husband, have the freedom to explore parks and other recreational areas, and to gain a bit of my independence back, while I continue to live my life to try to be a blessing and encouragement to others.