My name is Ann Frazier, and I have been living with paralysis for 36 years after surviving a violent attack by my ex-husband in 1989. I was shot five times with a .357 Magnum and have been in a wheelchair ever since. Over the years, my health has declined, and I now face even more challenges. In March 2023, I developed blood clots in my thigh and lung, which have made it even harder for me to move around safely. My legs often turn purple, my feet and ankles swell, and I get weak and dizzy when I try to get up.
Daily life is a struggle. Some days, I can’t even get out of bed and have to do a bed bath. When I do manage to get up, transferring to the shower is extremely difficult and dangerous because of my balance issues and swelling. I used to have someone stay with me, but they had to move away, and now I am alone in my apartment. I have home health visits, but I need more consistent help. My insurance and Medicare won’t cover a wheelchair shower chair, and I can’t afford to pay for a caretaker on my disability income.
Having a wheelchair shower chair and a caretaker would mean so much to me. It would help me stay safe, avoid falls, and regain some independence. I’ve already been hurt trying to cook for myself, and every day feels risky without the right support. Any help you can give would be deeply appreciated and would make a real difference in my life.
