LIVE QUICKIE BLOG

A broken elevator. Cabs that won't pick you up. That dreaded screech of tires when a chair randomly decides to stop working. Many of the challenges portrayed on screen in my latest Easterseals Disability Film Challenge (EDFC) five-minute short, "Wheelchair Money," mirror those I've faced in my daily life as a wheelchair user.

My life was forever altered in January 2021 when what should have been a routine knee replacement surgery turned into a painful nightmare of unimaginable proportions. As I lay on the operating table, fate dealt me a cruel hand: a grave mistake during the procedure resulted in a catastrophic injury to my artery. What ensued was a whirlwind of medical interventions with five additional surgeries in just 12 days, all in a desperate attempt to rectify the damage. The excruciating pain was relentless. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, I ultimately lost my right leg above the knee.

Being a wheelchair user doesn't stop me from loving music and wanting to see my favorite bands and singers perform. I love live music! There is just something about being in that crowd of people who all share the same love and passion for the performer on stage. Concerts give me a burst of energy and good vibes throughout my soul. But finding wheelchair accessible seats at concerts can come with plenty of challenges. Let's talk about this process and learn more about how to make it easier to go to a concert in a wheelchair!

Recreational wheelchairs play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for people with mobility challenges. However, obtaining the right wheelchair can be financially challenging. Fortunately, numerous funding options and resources exist to help people acquire these specialized chairs.

One of the things I've learned from working as a mentor for the past two years is that the mentor-peer relationship is symbiotic; each party benefits in different ways. For the peer, they get to learn helpful tips and tricks for living with paralysis from someone who is similar to them. They also get to see someone continue to build a fulfilling life after sustaining such a life-altering injury. As a mentor, I benefit from this relationship by feeling as if I'm making a difference.