Elyse Twichell

I never imagined how quickly my life could change. I went from being a gym regular and working a physically demanding job to suddenly not being able to walk more than 30 feet without significant pain and exhaustion. After a long year of searching for answers, I was finally diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome by a rheumatologist. While having a diagnosis brought some clarity, it also came with new challenges. My insurance will only cover a non-folding power wheelchair, which requires a specialized, wheelchair-accessible vehicle, something I simply cannot afford, as those can cost tens of thousands of dollars. What I truly need is a folding power wheelchair that can fit in my trunk, allowing me to go to the store, travel, and live my life without relying on someone else to push me. Due to my condition, I also don’t have the arm strength to manually propel a wheelchair for long distances. I am hoping to purchase a Jazzy Carbon Travel Lite power wheelchair, and any donations will go directly to Copper Star Medical Supply in Sun City. This chair would give me back something I’ve lost—my independence. Accessibility is a right, not a privilege. Thank you for helping me regain my freedom.