I’m thrilled to share some huge news: I finally have my active sports wheelchair! 🎉 After a month of fundraising, waiting, and hoping, it’s here, and it’s already making such a positive difference in my life. I can’t thank everyone enough for their generosity and support along this journey. Whether you donated, shared my fundraiser, or simply sent words of encouragement, you helped me reach this incredible milestone, and I am so, so grateful.
But, as with most things in life, the path wasn’t completely smooth. I want to share the ups and downs I’ve faced, not just to document this journey but also to let anyone in a similar situation know that they’re not alone when things don’t go exactly as planned.
First, let’s focus on the good! The wheelchair itself—aside from one hiccup—is perfect. The custom features I needed, like the skin-protective cushion, supportive backrest, and lightweight frame, are all exactly as specified. This chair has already given me so much more freedom and mobility.
Living with rheumatoid arthritis in my knees, POTS, and Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder means that some days, even standing is too much, let alone walking. On those days, this wheelchair will allow me to conserve energy, stay active, and move safely. It’s a tool that helps me live with more confidence, and I can already tell it’s going to improve my quality of life tremendously.
It feels like a huge weight has been lifted knowing that on my bad days, I have something that will give me back a bit of control and independence. I’m no longer worrying about how I’m going to get around when my symptoms flare up or how to navigate spaces safely when I’m feeling weak. This wheelchair truly is a life-changing gift, and it’s all thanks to you!
But now, let me get to the part that wasn’t so great. When I first ordered the wheelchair, I spent a lot of time choosing every detail, including the colour. It may sound like a small thing, but when you rely on an aid like a wheelchair, personalising it to reflect your style and personality becomes important. It’s not just about function—it’s also about feeling good in something you’ll use every day.
So imagine my disappointment when the wheelchair arrived in the wrong colour. It wasn’t what I had ordered, and honestly, it felt like a punch to the gut. I immediately contacted the supplier to let them know about the mistake, and unfortunately, that’s when things got worse. Instead of apologising or offering to fix the issue, they essentially tried to gaslight me, claiming that I had ordered the wrong colour and that I had misunderstood and misread something. Which wasn't true by the way! 😒
It was frustrating, to say the least. Here I was, finally getting this important, life-changing piece of equipment, and instead of feeling excited, I was dealing with someone who refused to acknowledge their mistake. It’s moments like these where you just want to feel heard and respected, and instead, I felt brushed off.
I tried to push for a resolution, but the back-and-forth was draining, and in the end, I decided to let it go. The wheelchair itself is perfect functionally, and I didn’t want to let the colour issue ruin the joy of finally having it in my hands. It’s a small part of a much bigger picture, and I’m choosing to focus on the positive.
While dealing with the wrong colour and supplier’s attitude was frustrating, it’s taught me an important lesson about perspective. Yes, the situation was aggravating, but at the end of the day, I now have a wheelchair that meets my physical needs, and that’s the most important thing.
I’ve also been reflecting on how far I’ve come. When I started fundraising, I was nervous and felt awkward about asking for help. I never imagined I’d receive such overwhelming support from friends, family, and even complete strangers. You all came together to help me when I needed it most, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.
This wheelchair represents more than mobility—it’s a symbol of the kindness and generosity that people are capable of. It shows how powerful a community can be when people come together to help someone in need. Every time I use it, I’ll be reminded of how lucky I am to have this amazing support network.
Now that I’ve got my wheelchair, I’m excited to get back to focusing on my health. Having this tool will allow me to stay active, attend appointments more easily, and just live with more freedom on the days when my body isn’t cooperating.
There’s still a long journey ahead in managing my condition(s), but this wheelchair is a major step forward in that process. I can’t wait to see how it continues to improve my life in the weeks and months to come.
Once again, thank you to everyone who helped me get here. Whether you contributed financially, shared my fundraiser, or simply offered support, you’ve made an enormous difference in my life, and I’m so grateful.
And to anyone else dealing with chronic illness, mobility challenges, or the frustrations that come with dealing with suppliers—know that you’re not alone. There will always be bumps in the road, but focusing on the positives can help you move forward with strength and gratitude.
Here’s to more independence, more mobility, and more joy in the days ahead!
With love and gratitude,
Saskia 🩷