ASSINIBOIA - The District 3 Kin Club announced that $53,000 was raised for a new wheelchair for Preston Coolidge, from the 2022 Telemiracle.
“Thanks to the amazing generosity of all those who donate to Telemiracle and the hard work and dedication from District 3 Kin year after year,” as reported in a media release from the Kin Club. “It is so amazing how much freedom and independence this chair will give him.”
This chair (as seen in the picture) is a standing mode. This allows for proper blood flow, sustained use of internal functions and stretching of muscles. It will also give Preston the ability to walk along side his friends and socialize.
Other functions of the chair include the ability to rise and reach counters etc. tilt forward, to assist in reaching things and tilt back to release pressure.
The new wheelchair also allows Preston to extend his feet to help with stretching and pressure releases. It is equipped with LED lights for safety while out for a stroll. It is equipped with winter tires for better mobility in the winter months.
16-year-old Preston was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy when he was six years old.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to the alterations of a protein called dystrophin that helps keep muscle cells intact. DMD is one of four conditions known as dystrophinopathies.