My name is Bella and i'm 20 years old. On February 10th 2022 my life changed forever. I fainted on an airplane and was rushed to the hospital. When I was 15 years old I was diagnosed with a heart condition called Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome. When on the airplane it acted up causing my heart rate to beat too fast for my body to catch up. I ended up needed and getting a heart surgery to keep my heart in a normal rhythm. After waking up I learned I had become paralyzed. I lost function in everything from my core down.
After months in hospital and rehab facilities I got the strength to go home and learn to live my life in a wheelchair. I've gained so much strength since 2022 and am on a mission to walk again. I'm on my way to prove every doctor that told me I won't walk again wrong. I started going to this gym that specializes in treating people with paralysis. I was making tons of progress but am now at the point where I need to get an education and build a future for myself and cannot put full focus on recovery. I recently started college and now am unable to go to the gym as it is far away.
No other places in Washington has the skills or equipment I need to keep my leg strength up and keep the chances high of me walking again. I want to be able to get the same equipment they have there for myself so I can get myself walking. I used this machine called an exoskeleton which has controls and walks for you. It keeps my legs strong, my muscles from deteriorating, and having independence in my day to day life. In the meantime I also need adaptive equipment to live my life on my own. I am dependent on everyone around me to get me to the places I need to go as I cant drive nor have the finical money for hand controls for driving. Any amount of donations will help. Thank you guys so much.
- Bella (@bellawillwalkagain)
