FUNDRAISER: Mobility freedom for a person with hidden disability

 Click here to be directed to our OFFICIAL Go Fund Me page!
 
My name is Sheryl, and I am a mother of two children living with a life-altering neurological condition called Type 1 Narcolepsy with Cataplexy.
For those unfamiliar with this condition, narcolepsy causes sudden and uncontrollable sleep attacks, while cataplexy causes partial or full body paralysis triggered by strong emotions such as laughter, stress, excitement, or fear. It is unpredictable, exhausting, and affects every part of daily life.
Because of this condition, I am unable to hold a full driving licence.
Before my diagnosis, I had safely completed my CBT and had never been involved in any accidents, but after learning more about my condition and how unpredictable it can be, I had to accept the heartbreaking reality that driving independently is something I may never be able to do.
This changed everything.
I was forced to leave traditional employment and rebuild my life around what my health allows me to do. I became self-employed, creating and selling handmade crafts, artwork, and continuing work as an author currently writing my second book.
I work incredibly hard to support myself and my family, but one thing constantly limits me:
Transport.
Something most people take for granted has become one of the biggest daily struggles in my life.
Because I cannot drive, even basic everyday tasks can become physically exhausting and financially draining. I have to maintain an extremely strict sleep routine to manage my condition, meaning my available energy and time each day is already limited.
Public transport can worsen my narcolepsy symptoms due to long journey times, repeated stopping and starting, and the overall exhaustion it causes. When I am unable to manage walking long distances, I often have no choice but to rely on taxis, which quickly become very expensive.
Even delivering products locally to customers can put strain on my body, as I live with the constant fear of collapsing during a cataplexy attack.
After spending a long time trying to find a solution that would allow me some independence again, I discovered something life-changing:
A Cabin Car.
A cabin car is an enclosed mobility scooter that would completely transform daily life for me.
It would allow me to:
• Travel independently for essential food shopping
• Attend hospital and medical appointments without expensive taxi costs
• Safely transport my handmade products to local craft markets
• Travel further to attend larger markets and earn more income
• Protect my products from rain and bad weather while transporting them
• Reduce physical strain and the risks associated with my condition
• Give me back some independence that my disability has taken away
I am doing everything I can to support myself through my small business and creative work, but I simply cannot afford something this expensive alone.
I am hoping to raise enough funds to purchase a cabin car that will give me freedom, independence, and the ability to continue working despite my disability.
I am completely open to purchasing a second-hand one if I can find one in good condition. The fundraising goal reflects the cost of purchasing a new one, and I have attached a photo of the model I am hoping to buy.
I rarely ask for help, and creating this fundraiser was not easy for me.
But this is not about luxury.
This is about independence.
It is about being able to provide for my children, continue running my small business, attend appointments safely, and live with a little more freedom despite living with a condition I cannot control.
If you are able to donate, no matter how small, I would be deeply grateful.
And if donating isn’t possible, sharing my story would mean just as much.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for helping me take one step closer toward independence.
 
Although you may use this listing to add to our donation, we would prefer if you could instead use the link above to go to our official Go Fund Me page!
 
We thank EVERYONE who can donate or share our fundraiser!