Sarah’s story is one of the many examples of why technology and equipment is vital to giving people living with ALS the sense of independence that everyone deserves.
“I am 39 and got diagnosed last year with ALS. I was always very active outdoors running, hiking, biking and paddle boarding. I am still walking and using a walker 24/7, but I am limited in how long I can walk. Recently, being at my doctors office and speaking with them about a wheelchair was very overwhelming. It was going to encompass a lot of changes. I would’ve had to get a different vehicle to transport a 400 pound chair because insurance only pays for one chair. And also wouldn’t have fit in our one bedroom apt. I felt bummed because I’m in between equipment and I felt limited. I reached out to Team Gleason and got an immediate response. Speaking with the representative was amazing. He was helpful, informative and very patient. There was quite a few options and measurements to consider for the EZ cruiser and it folds and fits in my SUV.
Yesterday was the first day that I took it out and got to go to the Trail downtown that I used to run weekly. I hadn’t been there in close to a year. I was also able to take my dogs which means a lot to me because I miss walking them. The trail is groomed but the larger tires worked great for getting me outside in the areas that I wouldn’t be able to go with my walker.
For me, it’s hard to take that first step to sit in a chair but it was very relaxing. Just to be able to look at the lake, trees, my friends and my dogs. I’m normally looking at the ground while using my walker. It feels great to have options."
- Sarah D., Austin, TX
