New wheelchair & physical therapy

My name is Marcelina, I'm 19 and I have spinal muscular atrophy, a progressive disease that causes my muscles to get weaker. There isn't much I can do in my condition but I have decided to go out and continue learning instead of staying at home doing nothing. For years I dreamt of studying English philology and here I am, doing exactly that.

I started university in October. But with a lot of work to do and a schedule that can change a lot, I had to give up going to a physical therapy centre where I had a free treatment – it was impossible to find one day and time that would fit my schedule and their schedule. The only other option was having a therapist come to my house, that way it is easier to arrange a meeting and takes a lot less time than going to the centre and back. But having a personal physical therapist means having to pay for it. An hour of exercises costs about $20 and it’s best to have it at least twice a week. For me, therapy isn’t about getting better but slowing down my disease and my muscles weakening for as long as possible – something that I’m really hoping for.

Another issue that came up lately is connected with my wheelchair. I’ve had my current one for about 7 years now and I think it’s about time I get a better one as this one is in a terrible condition. A new manual wheelchair that is made specifically for me costs $2000, which is A LOT for a thing that doesn’t look that fancy, if you’d ask me. But while the funding will cover some of it, it’s not enough and we still have to pay the rest…

So if you can donate, it would mean the world to me. I appreciate any amount that will hopefully help me with my two priorities - having a therapy to fight a little bit against SMA and a new wheelchair that will be better and more comfortable.

Thank you all in advance.