I suffered a career-ending knee injury during a military training accident. Multiple failed surgeries, physical therapy, and strong pain medications left me unemployable with slowly degenerating mobility caused by increasing shoulder damage from the use of crutches. An unexpected fall two years later led to the temporary rental wheelchair and the realization that the use of one would allow me to get things done without significant pain. My first wheelchair allowed me to give up the prescription painkillers I was on and ultimately, return to work for the first time in 5 years.

As a city councilor, I am a very busy and visibly member of my community. But that is becoming difficult to maintain because my current wheelchair was chosen before I took on my current, more active lifestyle. I am starting to lose ground to the strain on my body and the pain caused by using a tool that is not properly designed for my current needs. My aim is to replace my current chair with one that will better suit my present needs. By doing so, I will be able to remain active, employed and represent my community well.