TACK-le (Ann's Mobility threat team) hasn't added a story.
My name is Ann. I am many things. A wife, mother, daughter, friend, student of life, cook, housekeeper, chauffeur, and one of many diagnosed with MS. MS has been both a blessing and a struggle for me. My diagnosis has gradually brought many changes to my life. It has made me slow down and enjoy each day to the fullest. It has in an odd way brought in many friends that I might not have otherwise met. I try not to take anything for granted. Everyday is different and new. I was diagnosed in 2011. At that time I was single, working full time, raising four children, walking 2-3 miles a day. Nine years Iater... I am no longer working for a variety of physical reasons. I am remarried to a wonderful man, have 3 children living out of the house and a Junior in high school. My days are spent trying to keep as much of a "normal" life as possible. I still cook and do some light housework. I take piano lessons, and volunteer at church. I still drive (with hand controls, not my feet). I try to get outside each day either in my wheelchair or on a scooter. Some days are easier than others. It is difficult to get exercise in a wheelchair. I have gained weight. My muscles have weakened in my legs and I can no longer stand up straight or lay flat. Please don't get me wrong, I am very blessed to be in the position I am. I have access to Insurance and quite a bit of medical equipment. I am able to live in my own home and I am most blessed with a wonderful support group of family and friends! I am looking for a way I can exercise my legs and keep if not improve the mobility I still have with the Alinker. Unfortunately, as with many things insurance will not cover any of the cost. If you are able, please consider helping me acquire an Alinker. You can make a donation pledge today and your account will not be charged until there are enough donations to cover the entire cost. At that time they will charge your account and ship the Alinker to me. If the donations exceed the cost of the b and shipping the overage will be paid forward and donated toward someone else in need of an Alinker. Thank you and God's Blessings for you in all things! ANN
The campaigns are about sharing. Most people have no idea what life is like when you live with MS or what happens after you have a stroke. Isolation is often a bigger problem than the symptoms of the disease itself. With the campaigns we can share and educate people, because it can happen to all of us. When we create a movement where people simply show up for each other, it might get a bit ‘safer’ and less ‘scary’ to engage with each other. Some people share their experiences on their campaign, others share their funds to support the campaigns. It is not about asking for money, it is creating an opportunity for people to learn and show up with #generosity. Being generous resonates with who we are as humans. We understand generosity deeply and when you practice it, you feel so much better
PLEASE NOTE
- The campaigns are in USD $, and since to the pandemic the price increased from September onwards $2950 USD. This includes the Alinker, shipping, process and campaign fees and our #AlinkerFamily support.
- The campaigns are all or nothing, no credit cards are charged unless the campaign reaches its goal.
- As soon as the campaign reaches its goal, we ship an Alinker (from direct stock or you'll be placed in line, delivery 6-8 weeks).
- Campaigners do not handle money. On disability or welfare, you cannot handle money without being penalized, but you can receive an Alinker !
- When the campaign raises more than the goal, the campaigner can chose another campaign which we then make the donation to, paying it forward, or the balance will be placed in our Collective Campaign to help future campaigners.
- If you want to start a campaign and are outside Canada or the USA, write an email to stephanie@thealinker.com. We can potentially get a shipping quote to where you live, and include that in the campaign goal, though we like to keep shipping at a minimum, so we will not ship anywhere beyond $250 shipping costs.
Together we build a movement of kindness and generosity, because we all need it
Why do we facilitate crowdfunding on our site?
We believe that the Alinkers should be available for everybody, regardless of income and people who start a crowdfunding campaign here, will have access to a life changing Alinker. These crowdfunding campaigns are the first step to make Alinkers available for everybody. BE and the Alinker company are now putting their energy together to build a generous community around all the campaigners! The campaigners are people who allow others to show up generously, give them love!
Here is the Alinker segment as was aired on CBS Innovation Nation October 2019 - https://youtu.be/pk96VDkJ9NU
Why an Alinker?
Generally, medical devices are a technical solution for a body with a
problem.
The Alinker is designed for who we are, a whole human
being, who wants to live an active and engaged life. We are a human,
we have a body. Whether we miss a leg of have MS, it does not change
who we are.
Yet the world we live in, treats us as a body with a problem, which creates a social divide between people based on their body, based on what we have, not on who we are. Isolation and loneliness are more devastating than the disease itself. So we need to show up for each other, acknowledge each other and be present to who we are.
These campaigns are here to bridge the gap between a high quality custom Alinker, and the people who live at the receiving end of a 'sickcare' system that drives people into poverty.
So, show up, be radically generous, it is something we humans really
understand.
When you read each story in each campaign, pause and
imagine who that person is, and why they started the campaign, reach
out to them, let them know they are surrounded and seen, heard and not
alone. When we do that, we feel better and create a safer community
where we know we can show up for each other. It connects us with our
essence, we are radically generous creatures, we just got a little
lost in systems that are not designed for our wellness.
Alinkers change lives, here are a few people
GO TO CROWDFUND, WHY, HOW, START
Who is the Alinker for?
The Alinker is for people who want to stay active, regardless of mobility challenges.
To operate and use the Alinker you must have the ability to:
- walk to some degree
- flex and extend your legs
- bear weight on one leg briefly while getting on and off the Alinker
- be consciously aware of your surroundings
- be aware of your ability and limitations
What is the Alinker?
The Alinker is an exceptionally cool, three-wheeled walking bike
for humans with mobility constraints. It’s not a medical device,
it’s a lifestyle tool, designed to enable users to lead active and
socially engaged lives — at eye level.
On the Alinker, users sit upright -- at eye level with standing
companions. Weight is supported by the seat with no stress on the
lower body, while handle bars provide additional support. Feet remain
on the ground, keeping users stable and safe.
GO TO CROWDFUND, WHY, HOW, START
Together we'll make this work, in kindness and from the heart
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