My name is Nicole, and I am a 26-year-old graduate student. I have just recently returned back to my education after being on a medical leave of absence for a year.
I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a genetic connective tissue disorder and several co-morbid conditions including POTS, mast cell activation syndrome, gastroparesis, migraine, and Chiari malformation. These conditions contribute to many symptoms I experience every day - including headache, migraine, chronic pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, pre-syncope, brain fog, memory loss, poor balance and proprioception and more. Since returning back to daily life after spending a year at home, I have been realizing that I need to implement more support. My performance is severely impacted by my symptoms. I am the least symptomatic when I am seated in one place and do not need to get up and down or move around the room. I also do not leave home for anything besides work because it is simply too much for my body. The Whill power chair would help me be successful in my professional life and more active in my personal life! As a young adult, I don’t want to miss out on these great years of my life! I am studying to become an occupational therapist and support the chronic illness/disability community! Your support will help me get there!
I have not been able to work for some time and have no income and tons of student debt. I am grateful to my family for a place to live and necessities, but they are unable to provide more. The support and independence the Whill Ci2 would provide are priceless, but the chair itself is costly. I appreciate any support you can provide!
The Crowd Financing Option
Through crowd-financing with CoCoPay™ , families collaborate with their social networks to gift someone they care about a WHILL powerchair. The family (or a helpful friend) registers a crowdfunding campaign and shares it via email, social media, or direct messages. They craft a story about how a device will change their friend's life, then collect online pledges from those in their networks who wish to help.
What happens when I click 'Contribute'?
People pledge using a credit card, bank card, or PayPal account. The campaign runs for a set time, and if it reaches its goal, the payment provider completes the charges, and the funds go directly to WHILL. The family and the supporters won’t incur any costs if the campaign falls short of the goal. All pledges are cancelled in that case. CoCoPay coaches families to provide the best opportunity for success!
WHILL & CoCoPay both have the same goal to provide these devices to people who need them without adding further fees.
When you contribute, you will see an option to top up your pledge, which helps keep CoCoPay’s platform and coaching services free for the family. This is entirely optional and will also only be charged if the campaign reaches its goal. Through your generosity, more families get the financial and physical help and support they need to make this a reality for their children without risking hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars in interest charges.
For more information, check out the FAQ and the About Us tabs.
Highlights
See all activity1This campaign is to help a friend or family member fund the purchase of a WHILL Power Chair. They are collecting contributions from people in their network to help achieve this result. If the total contributions reach the goal of purchasing the device, the payments will be safely processed and transferred to the vendor, and the device will be shipped or delivered to them. No one is charged, and no costs are incurred if the goal is not reached. Your contribution will help them achieve their goal and increase their independence!
Frequently asked questions:
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When will I be charged?
When the campaign reaches its goal, your payment will be processed. This usually occurs within a few weeks but can sometimes happen right away if the campaign moves very quickly.
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Do I get a tax receipt for my contribution?
As this is a purchase of a product on behalf of someone, it does not qualify for a tax receipt.
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Who pays the costs of this campaign?
The campaign platform is provided for free. The payment processing fees for this campaign are being covered by WHILL. As part of the checkout process, you will be asked to top off your contribution to help cover CoCoPay's costs of providing this free service which includes coaching the campaign team on effective crowdfunding techniques.
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How long will the campaign run?
Campaigns run until they hit their funding goal. If it appears the goal won’t be reached, the campaign owner can stop it at any time, and no contributions will be processed. By making your risk-free contribution right away, you can inspire others also to chip in and help out.
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Does the money go to the campaign owner or the company?
The funds are collected on behalf of the campaign owner or the beneficiary they have nominated i.e., their friend or family member, and paid to the company on their behalf only when the total funds required have been collected. This removes any risk of the campaign only partially reaching its goal or the funds being accidentally misallocated.
About WHILL
About Us
Since 2012, WHILL’s mission has been to improve people’s short-distance mobility through innovative technology and design. WHILL Power Chairs have received more awards than any other devices in their class, including being named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2018. With their compact size, patented omni-wheels, remote app control, and advanced battery technology, our products allow people to live the lives they aspire to.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan with offices around the world, WHILL is focused on enabling everyone to explore the world in comfort and style.
Check out this video to learn more!
