Michael Manhardt

Life Changing Technology.

This past summer I borrowed a piece of adaptive technology from the MonTECH (https://montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/) assistive technology library that changed my life the better.

This equipment was called the Riomobility firefly, and it is in a wheelchair attachment that allows me to stay in my wheelchair and attach a power drive system that turns my wheelchair into a 12 mph electric scooter!

Why was this significant?

As soon as I was able to start utilizing this equipment, I realized how much I miss riding my bicycle. I was a person who used to commute on 2 wheels; rain, shine, or snow. Missoula is the type of town that is extremely friendly for bicycles and I used to be able to get to and from places faster than utilizing my automobile. For that reason, plus the benefit of exercise and being outside, I chose to ride my bicycle as much as possible.

After my spinal cord injury, I didn’t think about the opportunity to commute on bicycle being one of my abilities lost. I had so many other abilities limiting my life that I was focused on trying to improve basic quality of life. It was a bit of a blind spot I do admit, but now that I have experienced what I was missing, my quality of life took a big jump in the positive direction.

While MonTECH is a wonderful program for persons with disabilities, I am not able to loan this device into perpetuity. So now is the time where I have to purchase my own. The cost of the highest quality device for my abilities is $13,000! This is a large jump in price when compared to my $500 secondhand commuter bicycle.

https://livingspinal.com/power-assists-and-handcycles/batec-scrambler-ii-for-quadriplegics/

Like all of the other Assistive Technologies and Medical devices the cost a large premium and I am going to have to get help raising money to cover the cost. Currently, I have procured a grant for $5000 from the I Run For Bob Foundation and am looking to raise an additional $8000.

Can you help?

Why Help Hope Live?

I have chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and adaptive sports related expenses.

Thank you for your support!