MS Disabled 46 Year Old Woman Seeks Grant Money For Bioness Walk Aid

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MS Disabled 46 Year Old Woman Seeks Grant Money For Bioness Walk Aid

by Debra Johnston
(USA)

My name is Debra Johnston, a 46-year-old woman being challenged by a very formidable opponent: Multiple Sclerosis.

This has been my foe since turning 21 yet I have made the most of my skills and talents during the disease's relapsing/remitting course.

Yet, now, I am in a secondary phase of the illness that invites a whole new set of mental and physical strengths that I am not sure I possess.

What is most disturbing is my walking or inability to walk any further than five yards. I have a walking stick, which aids my balance, and without it, I could not walk without a painful tumble to the ground.

I believe that if I start using a wheelchair or scooter I will never get out of it. My dear husband has gracefully taken over ALL of my household duties, without complaint but I know how it hurts him when I cannot accompany him to various functions.

We had once hoped of visiting Yellowstone National Park but that seems like a fading dream in light of my physical condition.

I have read information about a walk-aid called Bioness that has helped a lot of MS patients to markedly improve their walking ability. I was so excited when first I heard of Bioness because of the freedom it could offer me but the cost is prohibitive.

My husband has been unemployed for almost a year and I am on Social Security benefits. We get by well enough but not enough to absorb a $5000+ cost.

A grant that would allow me to purchase one of these devices could not only let me experience Yellowstone but other many "wonders" and normal tasks of life. Sincerely, Debra Johnston.

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MS Disabled 46 Year Old Woman Seeks Grant Money For Bioness Walk Aid

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Apr 10, 2011
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Know it well....
by: Chicago Nick

I too have MS. I'm a 46-year-old single man, and have had it now for a decade. I've been "up and down the block" so to speak with all the outrageous and to me useless MS therapies, which you know I'm sure cost around $30,000 a year. I refuse to pay anymore with insurance covering now only about 70% of it.

This one sentence you said rang true with my thinking as well on this debilitating disease:

"I believe that if I start using a wheelchair or scooter I will never get out of it."

That's my theory as well, and it was the same thing beginning to use a cane. My left side is paralyzed from the waist down, and to make matters worse I have foot drop as well and I refuse to get in a wheelchair as my doctors insist I do.

Just won't do it.

As a result I cause myself much back pain and other additional problems as the once well-oiled machine breaks down piece by piece compensating for the left side distress. I some days don't know which is worse, the way things are or the way they'll be once confined for life in a wheelchair scooter deal.

I wish you the best of luck. I too am a candidate for the WalkAide device and I refuse to pay a mortgage so I can walk.

I just keep fighting and praying just as I woke up one day literally and couldn't walk right one day it'll finally reverse itself in the same manner.

Aug 24, 2010
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Footdrop
by: Anonymous

I have a knee trauma and now I have foot-drop. I would like to raise funds also to get the Bioness. Please pray to Jesus for me also as I will pray for you. Maybe somehow we can work together to raise the money. If anyone has any ideas let us know. Thanks, Fay.

May 10, 2010
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Bioness WORKS!
by: Michelle

I am in the same boat so to speak. I am 36 and am seeking to raise the money to purchase the Bioness. The company that made my AFO brace tested me on the Bioness and on the Walkaide just a few months ago. They both work, but the Bioness seemed to work more efficiently for me. I was diagnosed at the age of 23, just before starting student teaching. I taught at a private school for 3 years but due to lack of enrollment lost that job and have not been able to gain full-time employment. Since I had surgery on my ankle I ended up with foot drop and have a cane and a walker, along with the brace to get around.

Currently I am in the battle for Social Security Disability and have had to retain a lawyer. I am married but due to my husband's job I feel like a single parent much of the time. I rely on friends and family to help when something goes wrong at the house or pray I won't financially be taken advantage of by those that come to repair whatever is broken.

I am adding you to my list of people to pray for as I am on the same journey to raise the funds for the Bioness. It is not an easy road. We'll get through it though.

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MS Disabled 46 Year Old Woman Seeks Grant Money For Bioness Walk Aid

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MS Disabled 46 Year Old Woman Seeks Grant Money For Bioness Walk Aid