Key Takeaways:
- Michelle Wilson, a woman with a degenerative disease, requires a mobility van to leave her house and participate in daily activities.
- Wilson’s condition has deteriorated, leaving her with only 20% lung capacity and relying on morphine to breathe.
- Her mother, Lynn Phillips, struggles to secure Wilson’s power chair in the mobility van due to arthritis, making travel difficult and painful.
- An automatic locking system, the EZ Lock Docking System, is needed to secure Wilson’s power chair, but it costs between $2000 and $5000.
- Wilson and Phillips have launched a Givealittle page to raise funds for the system, as they cannot access funding for another four years.
Introduction to Michelle Wilson’s Condition
Michelle Wilson, a resident of Gate Pā, suffers from a degenerative disease that affects her physical abilities. Her condition has led to delayed motor milestones, a waddling gait, enlarged calf muscles, and trouble rising from the floor. Unfortunately, her condition has continued to deteriorate, resulting in heart and breathing complications. Wilson’s mother, Lynn Phillips, has noticed a significant decline in her daughter’s health, with ambulances visiting their home twice in three weeks due to medical issues. Wilson’s lung capacity has decreased to only 20%, and she relies on morphine to help with her breathing, making everyday tasks extremely challenging.
The Challenges of Mobility
Wilson uses a power chair to get around, which must be manually secured in her mobility van using seatbelt straps and hooks. However, Phillips, who has arthritis, struggles to perform this physically demanding task. The pair recently took a trip to Bethlehem and Tauriko, which required Phillips to secure and unhook the chair multiple times, causing significant strain on her back. Wilson is concerned about her mother’s health and refuses to travel in the van while Phillips is at risk. The situation has become so dire that Wilson has had to limit her outings, previously enjoying shopping with friends and attending church two to three times a week. Now, she is confined to her house, relying on others for groceries and social interaction.
The Solution: The EZ Lock Docking System
The solution to their problem is an automatic locking system, the EZ Lock Docking System, which would automatically secure Wilson’s power chair when she rolls into the van. This system would eliminate the need for manual securing, reducing the physical strain on Phillips and allowing Wilson to travel safely and comfortably. The EZ Lock Docking System is a significant investment, costing between $2000 and $5000. Unfortunately, funding for the system is not readily available, and Wilson must wait another four years before she can apply for funding again.
Raising Funds for the EZ Lock Docking System
Wilson and Phillips have taken matters into their own hands by launching a Givealittle page to raise money for the EZ Lock Docking System. They are eager to improve Wilson’s quality of life and do not want to wait for funding to become available. Phillips emphasized that the automatic locking system would significantly improve Wilson’s daily life, allowing her to enjoy activities and socialize without worrying about her mother’s health. The Givealittle page is a testament to the pair’s determination to find a solution to their problem and improve Wilson’s overall well-being.
The Importance of Accessibility
Wilson’s story highlights the importance of accessibility and the need for adaptive technology to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The EZ Lock Docking System is a prime example of how technology can enhance mobility and independence. By raising funds for the system, Wilson and Phillips hope to not only improve their own lives but also raise awareness about the importance of accessibility and the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. As Bijou Johnson, a multimedia journalist, notes, stories like Wilson’s are essential in promoting understanding and empathy for those living with degenerative diseases and disabilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Michelle Wilson’s story is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by individuals with degenerative diseases and disabilities. The need for adaptive technology, such as the EZ Lock Docking System, is crucial in improving mobility and independence. By supporting Wilson and Phillips’ fundraising efforts, we can help improve Wilson’s quality of life and promote a more inclusive and accessible community. As we strive to create a more equitable society, it is essential to consider the needs of individuals with disabilities and work towards providing them with the necessary resources and support to thrive.
