The following italicized excerpt was written by Kay Chancellor, Alison’s mom.
Lordy, lordy Ali is 40! She was born on a beautiful spring morning weighing 2 lbs., 7 oz. and 13 inches long. In the 1980s, babies born at 28 weeks gestation represented a significant challenge for doctors just to keep them alive. Ali survived two major surgeries within the first two weeks and after 10 weeks in the NICU at Cardinal Glennon Hospital, we brought her home to meet her big brother, Chris, who was just two years old. We like to say that Ali got a late start on life, enduring many hardships with determined zeal and smiling through it all.
March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. While my life hasn’t been easy, it’s definitely taught me to appreciate what I can do and enjoy the little things. Ultimately, those little things are the BIG things.
I’ve lived independently since 2006. My first place was located in an upscale urban neighborhood. Currently, I live in an artsy, eccentric neighborhood. I’ve had my current apartment for a decade.
With iLevel® technology on my Q6 Edge 2.0 Power Wheelchair, I can function independently in my community. There are grocery stores, drug stores, and restaurants nearby. Crossing the street is tough in a busy neighborhood like mine. Thanks to iLevel, I can elevate my power wheelchair seat up 12 inches so I am visible to traffic. Plus, my Quantum wheelchair backup camera makes it easy for me to see what’s going on behind me as I cross.
With iLevel, I can do all my chores independently, including doing laundry, washing dishes and organizing shelves. Since I was trapped inside for most of 2020, I had plenty of time to do all those things. Although I don’t cook often, I can cook with my oven because of iLevel.
In general, having a disability isn’t easy. It’s all in how you handle the curve balls thrown at you. I think I’ve done well…and with a smile.
About Alison Chancellor: Alison is a friend of Quantum and uses a Q6 Edge 2.0 Power Wheelchair. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri, where she cheers on her beloved St. Louis Blues at hockey games. Click here to learn more about Alison.
For more great blogs from our brand ambassadors and Q Roll Models, visit lifeatilevel.com today!
