Phil's Tankchair

Hello! My names Rachel, i'd like to share my little brother's story with you.
This is him and myself, on his 16th birthday. 
His name is Philip, he's currently 17-years-young. He is the youngest child from a family of 9 siblings. Philip was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at age 3 in 2001. Muscular Dystrophy is a hereditary condition marked by progressive weakening and wasting of the muscles. The first thing muscular dystrophy started affecting in him was his walking. Muscles of a kid with DMD don't regenerate like healthy muscles. They genetically lack dystrophin, which builds muscle - so a workout that would beef you up, would wreck one of Phils muscles over time. His struggle to walk became slightly noticeable when he was in kindergarten, and by first grade he was "fire-walking" on his tippy toes. In 2007, the doctors advised a heel cord release surgery which they said would either get him 6 more months of walking or he would be done walking. Sadly, he was done.


He then began using a power wheelchair full time in 2008.


In august of 2011 Philip had his g-tube surgery because the muscles in his mouth and throat are affected by his muscular dystrophy and he was unable to keep his weight up.  A "g-tube" is a gastrostomy tube that gets inserted through the abdomen and it delivers nutrition directly to the stomach. 
That's Philip right after his g-tube surgery. This has to be my favorite photo of him because it truly shows his character and bravery.
ANYWAY'S back to the story,
By 2011, the muscles of his spine began to weaken, an to keep his trunk straight he had a spinal fusion surgery. 


As of October 2015 Philip is a full quadriplegic that requires 24/7 care. I'm still in awe by everything this young man has endured and the positive attitude he chooses to carry through it all.
So now that you are slightly filled in on his condition, how about I explain what he needs 20,000 for?
Well, philip has always enjoyed getting outdoors, although his current wheelchair limits his activities. He can't drive out into most basic parks because his wheelchair handles terrain so poorly (no suspension, extremely tippy). Eventually within the next year or so he will be moving up north with my mother, and his wish is that "he wants to walk in the woods and go on trails like everyone else" This is where a tankchair comes into play.


A basic Tankchair has: Aluminum Frame, Tracks With Built-In Suspension, 2 Horsepower Motors, Corbeau Racing Seat That Recline 90 Degrees, 4 Point Harness, Lithium Ion Polymer Batteries, 15 AMP Onboard Battery Charger, PG Drives Joystick Controller, Grab Handle Opposite Controller, Two Gel Arm Rests, and Adjustable Footplate.  
In other words philip's wildest dreams can come true and give him the ablitiy to live his life to its full potential :) 
Here's a video of the tank chair that shows just how amazing  it is.  

 https://youtu.be/rNV2n8hqF_c ‌

Philip is 17, most kids his age are driving cars and exploring their world,  with this tank chair Philip will be able to get a taste of that freedom!  
It starts with a Dream.
Add faith,  and it becomes a belief.  
Add action,  and it becomes part of life. 
Add perseverance and it  becomes a goal in sight.  
Add patience and time and it ends with a dream come true.  <3

Help his dream come true