Due to my ankylosing spondylitis and other chronic conditions, I struggle greatly with chronic pain and fatigue. The most affected parts of my body are my back, hips, and hands. I also have very limited energy levels due to chronic fatigue. All of these things greatly limit my mobility and my ability to independently live my life. My health also impacted my ability to work, so I had to stop working full time in June of 2021. I am currently on SSDI which barely meets my basic needs, and I am working part time, about ten hours a week.
I purchased a portable electric wheelchair in March of last year which has greatly helped me to do more than I have been able to do in a while, but it does not meet all of my mobility needs, so I am working with Vocational Rehabilitation to obtain a custom power wheelchair. My current vehicle would not be able to transport this type of chair, so I would need to get a minivan. The average cost of the type of van I would need is about $75,000 new, but I am planning to look at used models that would be cheaper. My goal is to fundraise as much as possible, and then look at trading in and financing for the remainder. I am also researching available grants to help with this, though these resources are greatly limited. In the meantime, I am looking at obtaining funding assistant from Vocational Rehabilitation for a scooter trailer that works with my current car, but this is not a great long term solution. A wheelchair accessible vehicle would be the best fit to meet my current and future needs. This is a very large expense, so I know this will likely take some time.
I appreciate you taking the time to read my story and I hope that you will share this page, and make a donation if you are able to do so.
Thanks,
Amanda Stahl
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Amanda has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
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