Sheila

Shelia is a 59-year-old woman from Southern Maryland living with slow-progressing ALS. Shelia is a musician and was training to join the Sheriff ’s department when she received her ALS diagnosis, which has gradually limited her ability to walk and perform daily tasks. The Eric Fund helped Shelia partially purchase a Zeen, a mobility aid that enhances her ability to remain independent and navigate at home and in the community on her own as she does not yet require a power wheelchair. Shelia and her healthcare advocate had tried to get funding for this device which has been recommended for her, but they had been denied the funding. The Zeen gives Shelia the flexibility she needs to get around her home and in and out of a vehicle and out in the community. In addition, The Eric Fund has also been working with Shelia to provide vital adaptive equipment she needs to help her maintain her independence, including an adaptive bed to help her get in and out of bed on her own, adaptive shoes, and additional equipment to help her more easily get around in her home and the community. When Shelia learned The Eric Fund was able to help her with much of her needed assistive technology and equipment, she thanked the organization through tears. “It’s a Christmas miracle” she said. “It’s a wonderful life for real.”