Hi there, my name is Nicole! I am a 27-year-old occupational therapy student preparing for my boards exam to become an occupational therapist. The past several years have been quite the journey including a medical leave of absence.
I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic connective tissue disorder, and several coexisting conditions including POTS, mast cell activation syndrome, gastroparesis, migraine, and Chiari malformation. These conditions contribute to many symptoms I experience every day - including headache, migraine, chronic pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, presyncope, brain fog, memory loss, poor balance and proprioception, and more. I am the least symptomatic when I am seated in one place without needing to get up and down or move around the room. I also do not leave home for anything besides work because it is simply too much for my body.
Having a background in occupational therapy, I understand how greatly a lightweight powerchair would benefit me. It would help me be successful in my professional life and more active in my personal life! As a young adult, I don’t want to miss out on these great years of my life!
As a future occupational therapist, I aspire to support the chronic illness/disability community! Your support will help me get there! I appreciate any support you can provide!
