Olivia Stevens

Howdy! I’m Oli, and I’m 27 years old. I’m a disabled artist living in Arizona with my friend/roomate and our ESA cats. I love digital painting, watercolor and acrylic painting, and so many other mediums. At the moment, I am even building my small business— but progressive disabilities and pain are making it increasingly difficult to live independently as a young adult.

In 2021, I suffered a severe back injury when I slipped and fell on ice in my home state (up north). This injury permanently damaged my lower lumbar area, affecting my stability, coordination, and mobility. If I had known how serious it would become, I would have taken better precautions and gotten better medical help. Now, the pain can be excruciating and often leaves me bedridden.

To make my laundry list of conditions as short as possible, here are some major ones I live with that affect my life:

– Knee osteoarthritis (a genetic condition, causing my bones to grind together).

– Scoliosis (causing additional pain and coordination issues).

-Rheumatoid Arthritis.

– Chronic pain that affects every aspect of daily life due to all of these issues compiled into one body.

– And More!

These conditions are progressive – they’re not getting better. I’m only 27 years old, and I’m living through so much pain that I can’t live independently the way other young adults can. Simple tasks that others take for granted— going to the store, attending appointments, even getting out of bed— require careful planning and ALWAYS require assistance.

Why I Need Your Help:

Right now, I rely heavily on my friend/roommate for basic activities. Most days, getting out of bed hurts. Getting dressed hurts. Loading my manual wheelchair into our car causes severe pain, so that falls onto my friend/roommate as well (to get it in and out of the vehicle). This means I can’t go to medical appointments, run errands, or maintain any independence when my friend/roommate isn’t available.

My body is failing me at 27, and my mobility continues to decline. But I’m fighting to maintain some sense of purpose and independence— I just need the right tools to do it.

I’m fundraising for three essential items that will transform my quality of life:

1. Wheelchair-Accessible Van with Ramp ($89,990)

A 2025 Honda Odyssey with a power ramp that will allow me to independently load a motorized wheelchair or scooter. No more pain from lifting. No more being trapped at home. Just the freedom to attend appointments, go to the store, or visit friends on my own terms. As my conditions progress, this van will allow me to maintain mobility and independence even as my physical abilities decline.

2. Motorized Wheelchair ($4,000)

My manual wheelchair is already too heavy and painful for me to manage alone (despite it being considered “light-weight”. A motorized option means I can navigate spaces without exhausting myself or relying on someone to push me. This will give me the ability to move independently and conserve my energy for the things that matter.

3. Adjustable Medical Bed Frame & Mattress ($1,998)

An adjustable bed will help me:

– Elevate my head to improve breathing

– Elevate my legs to relieve pain and improve circulation

– Getting out of bed more easily without straining my injured back

– Get better quality sleep, which directly impacts my pain levels and ability to function

These Aren’t Luxuries

These are essential accommodations that will improve my day-to-day life and my overall quality of life. With these tools, I can:

– Attend medical appointments independently

– Continue my freelance art career without being homebound

– Reduce the caregiving burden on my friend/roommate

– Maintain dignity and autonomy despite my disabilities

– Plan for the future as my conditions progress

I’m not asking for comfort items – I’m asking for the basic tools to live as independently as possible as a 27-year-old navigating chronic, progressive disabilities.

Living with this much pain has taught me difficult lessons about asking for help. There are days when the physical limitations feel overwhelming – when something as simple as managing basic bodily functions (due to nerve damage from my injury) becomes a source of embarrassment and isolation. But I’m learning that asking for help isn’t weakness – it’s survival.

Despite everything, I’m still creating art. I’m still taking commissions. I’m still working to launch my own online store. I’m determined to support myself through my art and creativity. These accommodations will make it possible for me to continue working and contributing, rather than being completely dependent on others.

I want to go to doctor appointments without needing my friend/roommate to take time off work. I want to buy groceries without planning it like a military operation. I want to work on my art without being trapped in bed all day. I want to sleep through the night without my back injury pain keeping me awake.

I just want to live a life where I’m not defined entirely by my pain and limitations.

Every donation, no matter the size, gets me closer to independence. If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign means the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your support will literally change my life.

With gratitude,

Oli