Comments on the fundraiser for Thomcat's scooter.

[ThomCat]

I'm in awe of all of you. :cry:

Priyanka let me know a few days ago that she wanted to do this, and told me that she needed a picture of the scooter. So I spent yesterday test driving scooters.

It turns out that I can't use most scooters. They have a control that you have to keep pressed with your thumbs to go forward or in reverse, and I've lost most of the use of my thumbs. I found exactly two models that have finger controls instead. Of those two scooters, one had lights on it and the other didn't. I'm certain to be using my scooter outdoors at night, so I picked the one with the lights. I gave the image of that scooter to Priyanka yesterday, and today she posted the fundraising request.

I am so thinkful to Priyanka for doing this. I hate needing help, but love the people who offer it.

There have been a bunch of these fundraisers here at DU over the years. I've been generous whenever I could and helped other people. A few times I've quietly helped a DUer even when there wasn't a fundraiser. It's a big surprise being on the other side, being the person who's receiving the help.

I couldn't check DU today, but I was able to check my e-mail account, and by the time I left work I had 40 notices from paypal. :wow:

I'm seeing $10 and $20 donations and I'm near tears. Thank you so much! When Priyanka told me she was going to do this I kept my expectations low. Everyone gets hurt when the economy is this bad. We've all been hit pretty hard. But so many of you are giving a little bit anyway, and those little bits add up.

I've been very limited in my ability to get out of the house. I've had to stop going to stores and stop going out around the city. Now, with your help, I'm going to able to get around again.

:grouphug:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

1. Thomcat

check your pm in a minute :hug:

[ThomCat]

7. Please look for a response in your inbox.

:)

:hug:

[Horse with no Name]

2. There isn't a better cause that I can think of at this particular time

:hug:

[ThomCat]

9. Thank you so much!

:hug:

I have been so panicked about how I was going to pay for this. I can't even express how much all of this means to me. :hug:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

3. Do You Have A Total So Far? I Wanna See How Close You Are To Your Goal.

I want you to be able to order this thing by tomorrow...

[ThomCat]

11. Priyanka and I need to combine totals to figure that out.

Some of the donations are getting mailed directly to her, and some come directly to me through paypal. We'll have a subtotal we can post when she and I can talk later this evening.

The paypal part of this was around $800 when I looked a little while ago. :)

[Fire Walk With Me]

4. Dude, no one should have to bear your burden.

You soooo deserve a lift up to the next level, that is simply has to happen!

:hug:

[ThomCat]

13. I will definitely agree with you.

Nobody should go through this. Unfortunately, bad things happen all too often. :(

Thank you so much for this lift up. :hug:

[matcom]

5. Keep up the fight ThomCat

we'll help get you what you need. fuck the system. DU has rallied before and we will rally now.

BUT...

WE DEMAND PICS WHEN YOU GET IT K? :D

:hi:

[ThomCat]

14. I promise to post pictures.

If possible, I'll post some pictures of me riding with certain DUers in my lap. :7

[matcom]

16. oh *I* am SOOOO THERE!

ooooo

maybe not what you intended? :D

:hi:

[ThomCat]

31. You're absolutely invited!

Especially if you bring your beautiful Pug. :P

[lizziegrace]

6. That feeling of awe is mutual

my dear friend. :hug:

I can't wait to visit NYC and see you tear through streets of Manhattan.

[ThomCat]

15. OMG! We'll have a Ball!

:7

:hug:

[Fleshdancer]

8. After you get your scooter....

can you let us know where to send the FU letter to your insurance company? :D

[ThomCat]

19. Actually, I think that FU letter would be more useful if you sent it

to your senators and congressional representatives. :)

I know I'm definitely going to send another set of letters to them.

[Fleshdancer]

20. Oh don't worry ThomCat, I have enough FU venom to spread around!

:P

Good idea though, I'll be sure to do it.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

10. By The Way, Did You See This Link JeanGrey Provided? I Think It's A Great Place To Get It From.

Your EXACT model, for only 1900.

http://www.spinlife.com/critpath/match.cfm?categoryID=4&productIDs=77405,77406&adv=googleads&tar=celebrity%20x%20scooter

[ThomCat]

21. I did see that.

I compared prices at a couple of online sites. But I'm going with a local place despite the slightly higher price. They do on-site maintenance and repair, and they can add some additional features I can't find online (like mounted crutch holders for forearm crutches).

All in all, I think the local maintenance is the biggest issue. I'm definitely do not want to be in a situation where I have to box that thing up and somehow ship it somewhere for repair.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

28. The One On That Site She Linked Comes With Free 1 Year In Home Repair, With Purchase Up To 3 Years.

But I can definitely understand the appeal of their being able to mount crutch holders for ya.

[musette_sf]

12. we love you Thom

:grouphug: :loveya:

[ThomCat]

22. And I love you too!

:loveya:

Thank you so much! :hug:

[VenusRising]

17. You are a wonderful and deserving soul.

:hug::loveya:

[ThomCat]

23. And you are a wonderful, charming, generous and deserving soul!

:yourock:

:hug:

[VenusRising]

26. ...

:blush:

I love you, friend.

:hug:

[Jane Austin]

18. Nice ta meetcha, Thom!

Be sure and keep us posted, because I can kick in a little more if you need it.

[ThomCat]

25. Thank you so much!

And I have to say, I love your username! I'm on a Pride and Prejudice kick recently. I've watched the movie several times and I'm re-reading the book. :P

:hug:

[Jane Austin]

29. Well, my name is more a combination of my first name and my location.

But I like the pun. :)

I don't know about you, but I'm just about ready for some cures for these autoimmune things, dammit!

[ThomCat]

30. Oh, Hell Yes!

Wouldn't it be great if the pharmacutical industry worked on cures instead of just treating symptoms? :(

Wouldn't it be great if there was more research money for real medical research?

[Jane Austin]

32. I'll bet you anything there's a switch somewhere that turns

the autoimmune response on or off.

And I'll bet somebody is looking for it.

[Booster]

44. My favorite saying: "If you pay someone to look for something,

they will never find it". Have fun with that scooter, Thom.

[Flaxbee]

24. Sweetheart ThomCat -

I am so glad Priyanka did this, too. I wish I could do more; I'm just happy to help you in any way possible. :hug:

[ThomCat]

27. Flaxbee, I already can never thank you enough!

:hug:

I am so glad that you're such a good person!

Priyanka already had my undying respect and devotion. Wow! I have no idea how I can love her more without Lisa getting jealous! :P

[riderinthestorm]

33. Now I've got that song stuck in my head after reading your post....

"We. Are. Fam-ily...."

I can't imagine what you are going through but I know how hard it would be for me to lose my mobility. I have long admired your grace and courage as you bravely confront every new challenge.

Peace!

[ThomCat]

34. Thank you very much!

I really, truly hope you never find out what it's like to lose mobility. Be healthy and well! :hug:

[FlyingSquirrel]

35. Don't know ya, but I believe in karma..

And things have been going well for me the last few years so lately I wanna pass it on. Good luck!

FS

[ThomCat]

37. That is an awesome attitude.

And I really appreciate it. :hug:

I hope that good karma comes back to you threefold when you need it.

[Lisa0825]

36. I help people when I can...

someday I may need someone myself.

When my mom's health declined, she stopped leaving the house, and it made me really sad because the quality of her life could have been so much better. I hope that you will enjoy your scooter or chair, and continue to have an active life.

:grouphug:

[ThomCat]

38. If the day comes when you need people

I hope we'll be here for you. :hug:

I am absolutely doing everything I can to get out of the house, keep working, and be as social as possible. I'm a homebody by nature when I have the choice, but I refuse to stay home because I have no choice.
:)

[suffragette]

39. Haven't met you before, but so glad I saw

the original post and was able to kick in a little.

Like the above poster, I watched my mother become immobile through not being able to get out and about and hope no else ever has to go through that.

It's times like these that I am honored and humbled to be part of the DU community, just to be a small part of something positive for someone.

[The Straight Story]

40. A kick for you my friend

Hope this post finds you well.

[distantearlywarning]

41. Dear Thomcat: you don't know me, but

my grandfather suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. Although he wasn't able to walk or play with us grandchildren, I always knew he loved and cared for us. I was devastated when he died from an accumulation of pain medication when I was 15. It wasn't until many years after his death that I began to understand how difficult his life must have been - he never let the children know how much he hurt, even if we accidentally bumped into him or climbed on his lap. I still tear up just thinking about him and his life.

Anyway, I sent you a little money, and I hope you can buy a terrific scooter, with racing stripes and all of that jazz. :toast:

[bridgit]

42. All the best to you Thom, here's hoping all works out...

:thumbsup: :hug:

[KatyaR]

43. No one should be denied the right to be able to leave their house

simply because an insurance company refuses to pay out a few bucks. That's f**king criminal, and I'm glad I'm able to help you out. That kind of crap needs to STOP.

Besides, who knows when one of us might need help? I've been on the receiving end of some incredible help, and it changed my life. I want to pass that on.

Hang in there, ThomCat, you'll be zooming down the street in no time! :hug:

[ronnykmarshall]

45. It was my pleasure!!!

You go and WORK that scooter!

Get some flames painted on the sides, some bad ass wheels and GO GET 'EM!!!