Support Jacob's Dream for a New Wheelchair

Stacey Lee is organizing this fundraiser.

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Jacob's Story

My name is Stacey Lee, and I’m creating this fundraiser on behalf of my 22 year old son, Jacob Lee.

Three and a half years ago, Jacob sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI) in a motor vehicle accident, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down, with upper extremity weakness and muscle tone issues. Before the accident, Jacob led an active life filled with dirt biking, BMX, and skateboarding. After the injury, we weren’t sure if he would ever have the chance to enjoy these activities again.

Jacob spent over three months in the ICU and step-down care, vented and trached, battling a stage 4 bedsore that developed within the first 48 hours of his hospital stay, pneumonia, and enduring more than a dozen surgeries. The recovery journey has been incredibly challenging, but today, we’re in a much better place.

Jacob sitting upright again for the first time in 2 months after being injured, July 2021

Finding Hope Through Adaptive Sports

Once Jacob returned home, he rarely left the house except for doctor’s appointments or rehab. Being closer to Shepherd Center in Atlanta has been transformative, helping him feel more comfortable and confident around others and encouraging him to explore life outside of our home. In May 2024, we attended a Life Rolls On event at a skatepark in Kennesaw. It was a life-changing experience, introducing us to a community of adaptive athletes and showing Jacob that skating was still a possibility. He borrowed a custom WCMX wheelchair built for skateparks, and for the first time in a long time, he felt the freedom of doing something he loves.

Jacob with his neurosurgeon 7 months after being injured, Dec 2021

Why a Custom WCMX Chair is Needed

A custom WCMX wheelchair would enable Jacob to be more active, both in the community and in daily life. It would give him the ability to access more places and explore areas that his current chair cannot handle, reducing the physical limitations he faces now. This chair would make it easier for him to travel, experience new environments, and fully participate in adaptive sports.

LifeRollsOn Skate Event, May 2024

His current wheelchair, now three years old, is too heavy (40 lbs), oversized, and has a bent frame that limits its stability. It wobbles at jogging speeds, increases his risk for pressure injuries, and restricts his mobility. By contrast, the HOC custom wheelchair would be a game-changer. It would weigh 20-25 lbs, have pneumatic tires and suspension for a smoother ride, and be built to Jacob’s exact measurements. Every detail, from its design to its functionality, would be tailored to his needs, providing him with safety, independence, and the opportunity to pursue adaptive sports.

Unfortunately, insurance does not cover WCMX or HOC chairs, and the cost is significant—approximately $9,500. However, Jacob was awarded a $4,000 grant from the Kelly Brush Foundation, leaving us $5,500 short of the total cost.

HandsOnConcepts Active Wheelchair Estimate

How You Can Help

Our goal is to raise the remaining $5,500 before January 2025. Every donation brings Jacob closer to achieving the mobility, freedom, and confidence he deserves. Your support will not only help him stay active and independent but also empower him to inspire others in the adaptive sports community. He plans to use this chair both daily and at events, allowing other wheelchair users to experience WCMX for the first time.

As Jacob says, “Your limits are only what you perceive them to be.”

LifeRollsOn Surf Event, August 2024

Please consider making a donation today or sharing this campaign. Every bit of support—big or small—makes a significant difference in helping Jacob reach his goals.

Our Gratitude and Updates

We are deeply grateful for any support you can provide—whether through donations, sharing this campaign, or offering words of encouragement. Your contribution is more than financial; it’s a message of hope and belief in Jacob’s future.

We’ll keep you updated every step of the way, sharing milestones like the wheelchair’s design process, its unboxing, and photos/videos from events where Jacob can fully embrace his potential. Thank you for being a part of his story, our journey, and helping him make an impact on the adaptive sports community.