Ezra – Power wheelchair hire

Ezra’s life changed in December 2022, aged 14, when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and paraneoplastic syndrome, a very rare condition. He remained in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Monash Children’s Hospital for over 5 months and has recently been moved to the ward. Due to his medical condition, Ezra has reduced ability to breathe and cough, and has lost all functional movement of his limbs, unable to self-propel a wheelchair and fully reliant on others for all mobility and movement.

Without access to appropriate equipment for seating and mobility, Ezra would be unable to appropriately rehabilitate, develop any form of independence or engage in age appropriate physical and social activities. He will be at high risk of pressure areas due to poor positioning and development of contractures, postural malalignments and pain.

With more supportive seating Ezra will be able to engage better in his therapies and participate more appropriately with his family and friends. He will be able to increase his independence and hence improve his mental health and mood.

In order to address these concerns quickly, MAD Foundation funded the interim hire of this power wheelchair for Ezra, whilst funds were being raised by the Steve Waugh Foundation and other charities for a permanent chair which will cost over $40 000.

Ezra reported, “I’m so comfy, this is the best!” He was also able to drive this chair with a Bluetooth head control and this enabled Ezra to independently move himself for the first time in 189 days. Ezra stated, “This is the happiest I have been in 6 months” and he could not wipe the smile off his face.