Pay it Forward: Dysautonomia style.

One thing I have learnt about the chronic illness community is that it is filled with many wonderful and generous people. The support I have received from complete strangers, both here in Australia and all over the globe, has kept me going through some of the toughest times. For someone to spend their precious energy to send me a funny photo or Dorothy related shot because I'm down or they just wanted to share a laugh, is a beautiful thing. And it is one for which I am very grateful. This is the strength of the community, and the beauty of the Internet. To support, and receive such support, is truly wonderful. 

In light of that I wanted to propose an idea. This idea was born from an event earlier in the year, and my favourite Ghandi quote,

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."  

Back in May I was lucky enough to be given a free wheelchair, Vera, to tide me over until my reclining chair comes. Vera was an upgrade from my first wheelchair, Bernice, and has a fabulous squishy cushion for my dodgy coccyx. This left Bernice, my first wheelchair, sitting forlornly in my rumpus room going to wrack and ruin. I didn't like seeing her sitting there unused. So I put an advertisement on our local Dysautonomia support group. It ran a little something like this:

"FREE TO GOOD HOME: Bernice has been a trusty companion since I first got her. Despite my initial reluctance she's been increasingly on the scene, going to shopping centres, restaurants, even comedy gigs. As you can see from the photo she's up for a laugh and appreciates sarcasm. She may be a little cheap, but in no way nasty, and is up for bedazzling or a new coat of paint. Don't let her start at the Aldi Home for Wayward Wheelchairs fool you, this lovely lass has gusto and class. I have recently upgraded to Vera and despite my love for Bernice she is looking a little forlorn in the corner of the rumpus room, especially when Vera and I head out on a date.

Such a comely lass as Bernice needs to be out and about, and is the perfect starter chair for someone tossing up if they need/want a chair. So I'm offering her up free to a good home to anyone in the Melbourne area who can come and pick her up. She may even be the perfect starter chair for many and travel all over Melbourne as part of a pay it forward campaign.

So if anyone has a forever or at least a, for a while, home where they can give Bernice the love she deserves, she's yours. First in best dressed, Melbournians."

Bernice was snapped up quickly, and now lives with Caroline a few hours away. Here she is in the doorway of her new home poised for an outing.

("The beloved Bernice. My freedom wheels." - Caroline.)

I was lucky to have Bernice and I wanted someone else to have the freedom she gave me. And I'll have to admit the first time I saw a photo of Bernice and Caroline out and about, I was filled with joy and a wee bit teary.

(Vera will also go to a new home when my tilting chair comes.)

There are many people in our community who are either unsure they want a particular aid and don't want, or have, the funds to try them out. Alternately, many simply don't have the money to purchase aides they desperately need. When you think that even one pair of medical grade compression stockings can set you back $100+ you begin to realise that being ill is an expensive business. And for many it comes down to a case of prioritising a litre of milk and some bread for their family, over a much needed chair or cane. 

So I want to propose a medical/Dysautonomia style, Pay it Forward movement.

How many of us have equipment, be it canes, wheelchairs, shower chairs, compression stockings we brought, we wore once, and didn't like, or they didn't fit? How many have gym equipment, a mini cycle, therabands etc that are just lying around thanks to a change in our health, or an upgrade?

If you've improved you may have devices you no longer need. If you have been lucky enough to get upgraded equipment you may have your old equipment just sitting around gathering dust. Why not give it to someone who needs, and can use it?

It's easy to participate:

• Decide if you have equipment you no longer want or need.
• Make sure it is in working order and mank free.
• Hop onto your local support group site.
• Or, alternatively a forum or general support group.
• Write up a short “Free to Good Home” speal.
• Organise a pick up or drop off, whatever you are comfortable with.
• Know that you have made a difference in someone else's life.

Remember this about gifting the piece FREE. 

It's about paying it forward to those who may not be able to afford that chair, cane, pair of compression stockings, etc.

That piece of extra equipment you have languishing unloved in your cupboard or back room may change someone else's world.

So what are you waiting for?

Cheers

Michelle :)

I would love to hear how people have Paid it Forward. Drop me a line here on the blog, via email or over on Facebook or Twitter.