Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, and it feels like the right moment to share an update about the equipment Camila needs as she continues to grow. We haven’t actively fundraised in over a year, and during that time Camila has been gaining strength, building new skills, and discovering more of her world. With that progress has come new needs, especially around her mobility, comfort, and independence. These next pieces of equipment will make a meaningful difference in her daily life. 

1. Stander (Rabbit Up) — starting around $2,000 

Camila currently has an Early Intervention–provided Squiggles stander, and while we’re grateful for it, she’s quickly outgrowing what that model can offer. The Squiggles gives her basic supported standing, but it’s limited in adjustability and doesn’t let her actively participate in her environment. 

The Rabbit Up is a much better fit now because it allows: 

- better alignment for her hips, knees, and trunk

- more adjustability to grow with her

- improved comfort, which means more meaningful standing sessions

- greater engagement, because she can move around and explore while safely supported

Standing supports her bone health, digestion, circulation, and overall development. Insurance doesn’t cover this model, but it is the one her team feels will benefit her most.
 
2. Power Wheelchair (Permobil Koala) — starting around $20,000
 
Camila currently uses her manual wheelchair mostly independently, and she’s incredibly motivated to move and explore. However, pushing a manual chair takes a lot of energy, and for Camila it can lead to fatigue. On days when her muscles tire quickly or when she’s not feeling her strongest, she seeks support. Manual chairs are also limited to smooth, hard surfaces. Camila would love to drive over grass, playground mulch, and uneven sidewalks, but her current chair simply can’t handle those terrains.
 
A power wheelchair would give her:
- reliable independence, even on days when she’s tired
- the ability to move across different surfaces
- more equal participation in play with peers
 
Having both a manual and power chair isn’t a luxury, it’s the standard approach recommended for children with motor challenges. The manual chair is still essential for neighborhood strolls, quick trips, tight spaces, and transportation. The power chair opens up a whole new level of freedom and exploration that simply isn’t possible with manual mobility alone.
 
Also, the Koala can support her for many years, well into elementary school, before she outgrows it. Unfortunately, insurance will not cover powered mobility, so this cost would be entirely out-of-pocket.
 
3. Wheelchair-Accessible Van — starting around $45,000
 
Should the Koala end up being a good fit, we will eventually need a vehicle that can transport it safely. Even used vans with basic ramp conversions typically start around this price. This isn’t an immediate need today, but it becomes essential once a power wheelchair enters her life.
 
 
Giving Tuesday is a time when communities come together to support families they care about. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to meeting Camila's needs. 

If you feel moved to give or share our SupportNow page, we are deeply grateful. Thank you for supporting Camila and helping us open new opportunities for her.

With love,
The Weilnhammer Family