SmartDrive Power Needed

Hi, I was born with type 3 Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), though it didn't cause any symptoms until aged 11. What started out as some sporadic lower back pain, hip pain & an issue with my hips that resulted in me being unable to move my leg/legs for a few minutes escalated into constant back pain, hip pain & being unable to move my leg/legs for hours upon hours at a time. By the time I was 12/13, my (still undiagnosed) EDS had began severely affecting me and my health began to decline in such a way I began using crutches, before moving into a wheelchair - which is something I'll be in for the rest of my life. To save a really long story, I was officially diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome at 19, along with several spinal conditions. EDS is caused by a defect in the gene that produces collagen, this results in the collagen that makes up connective tissue being structurally unsound/weak. My EDS affects me in such a way that I have chronic pain, developed osteoarthritis in my c-spine and I partially dislocate my joints daily, often multiple times a day. My most problematic joints are my right hip and both shoulders, the latter being the bigger issue because, as a wheelchair user, I'm already putting huge strain on my shoulders. In the last year or so, I've been partially dislocating my shoulders more than ever before, which in turn has meant my shoulders are dislocating further every time leaving me with horrendous pain and soft-tissue damage.

The result of this means I am often unable to participate or go out with friends and family as pushing myself in my wheelchair becomes far too painful or increases the likelihood of dislocating my shoulder joints. Even something as simple as going to the local shop becomes impossible. This in turn takes away much of my independence and forces me to remain home alone or constantly rely on others to do things I should be able to do myself.

The good news is that there is a solution!!

We have now decided to start this Go Fund Me appeal in order to raise enough money for the purchase of a SmartDrive MX2 power assistance device. This device effectively turns my manual wheelchair into a power assisted wheelchair that will enable me to regain my freedom, prevent unnecessary dislocations, reduce wear & tear to my already weakened shoulder joints, significantly reduce pain from mobility.

We have included a video showing the SmartDrive in use in the first update, this will hopefully allow you to see just how amazing this device is and how it could help me live a much more independent life.

What happens next.....

We are intending to put together as many different events and ideas as possible to help us reach the target, from sponsored cycle rides to chocolate hampers. We will be posting regular updates on our progress and details of upcoming event or money raising ideas.

How can you help?

There are several ways in which you can make a huge difference. First of all is the most obvious way of making a donation using the link above. Getting involved in upcoming events as they appear. However, one of the best ways you can help is to share the appeal link as much as you can via social media and word of mouth, after all the most successful appeals are always the ones that reach a wider audience.

Thanking you very much in advance

Lucy & Family x