Tina needs a new power wheelchair!

My name is Tina Pederson. I am in need of a new power wheelchair as I suffer from sever osteoarthritis. Although I can weight bare I can no longer can walk. Let me tell you my story so you understand why I need your help.

I started my career in 1990 as a Community Health Worker (CHW). I enjoyed being a CHW so I certified and then we unionized. Back in the ‘90's CHW’s were not treated well nor was our job respected. Now I believe if your not happy fix it, so I became a shop steward. I was very active in my Union, running in executive elections and gaining positions that made a difference. I worked for my clients during the day, and the members at night. I was happy and things were going better at work.

CHW’s had a 10 hour window but we were only paid for the time spent with the client. We were expected to wait in the community we were assigned too. Community Health Care is and was a very physical job. My arthritis advanced and I had both my knees replaced taking two years off. I did have LTD, I was told I would not be able to be CHW again, but I did. Unfortunately two years later I was off again with my hips completely gone. This was May 2013, I will never go back to work. The arthritis has moved into my shoulders and as with my hips cause me constant pain. It moves quickly, destroying my joints as it moves.

In Sept 2019 I met Don. I was looking for a friend to do things with, but Don had other ideas. I invited him to spend Christmas Holidays with me. Don decided to stay. We moved in together just weeks before the Covid lock down of 2020 and have not looked back. Don had a stroke in 2015. He could walk a bit when we first met, and lived independently. Unfortunately Don can no longer look after himself and is completely dependant on others for day to day living. I knew this would happen, we just thought it would be years from now. So you have two disabled people, looking after each other. Don got a small inheritance and we bought a mobile home. My dear brother came and remodeled what he could. He built us a great ramp and porch. We are happy and have found ourselves pet parents to 4 cats. We don't have much but again we're happy.

Now I told you Don was on disability since 2015. Don was not in a union job, and government disability barely pays the bills and only if your in public housing. His small inheritance went into our home with my income allowing us a small mortgage. So he has nothing. I've been on disability since 2013. I'm still covered by my union collective agreement, until I turn 65. This gives me a disability pension, medication and medical equipment. I have nothing.

Now the problem is I bought a power chair two and a half years ago. It became apparent I was ripped off and went to Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to tell them that there were problems and possibly fraud. After almost one and a half years many phone calls, letters, receipts and explanations PBC stated that I had bought a used power chair and they wouldn't cover the repairs. That was 2022, I fought that and they agreed I did nothing wrong so they would cover the cost of repairs. In 2023 I had major repairs done yet again. PBC will not cover the chair and as it is of unknown age they have stated I was to send a quote for a new chair. They will not reimburse around $4000 in repairs and new batteries. We used our visa to pay this and now we're struggling to pay off this debt. The most I will be getting from PBC will be $7000, if they agree to pay anything. At this time PBC has denied the request. I am working on an appeal but of course this will take months as I need an occupational therapist letter and PBC takes forever to decide anything .

I have tried out several chairs. With my doctors note stating I need a lift to take pressure off my hips and back I have picked out the least expensive chair this will cost $20,000, and I'm asking for $4000 to help with the old chair repairs. So $24,000.

I have no children to ask for help and my older siblings are retired on fixed incomes. I have checked with my union to see if I was entitled to anything under the collective agreement but unfortunately no.

Now the last thing that has happened is that my old chair has broken down again. PBC will not put any money into it. This is an ongoing issue that even the manufacturer can't fix, the chair has been rebuilt twice. Even if I had money I'll not put any into it. I'm in a manual wheelchair from The Red Cross. unfortunately I am unable to leave my home as my shoulders will not propel me. I'm trapped, period.

Whether you can help me or not I would be very grateful if you would pass this to your contacts. If it can be passed to as many as possible then my goal could be reached. Thank you for your time.