December 2021 AMCer

Harmony was diagnosed with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) at 10 days old.  The doctor’s never saw her Arthrogryposis in utero so her mother had no idea about her disability until after she was born, when they took muscle from the back of her leg and performed a biopsy to determine her condition.

From six weeks old to six months old, Harmony was in casts to correct her club feet. She then had the tendons in her ankles and hips stretched in an attempt to make them less tight. At age seven she had a muscle transfer surgery where they took her pectoralis major and transferred it into her left arm to act as a bicep.

As a result of being a full-time wheelchair user, Harmony developed scoliosis and had two spinal fusions to correct the curving of her spine. In her 20s she had a surgery on her left wrist that pulled it into a neutral position so it wouldn’t be stuck in a clubbed/bent downward position.

Harmony reached out to Helping AMC Families to request assistance with purchasing a wheelchair accessible vehicle so she could gain some additional independence. She said, “Being in a wheelchair and trying to be independent when it comes to driving can be very difficult because it can be very expensive. Having an accessible vehicle will open my world and I will have endless possibilities. I will be able to go to the store and to work all by myself without having to depend on other people.” You simply cannot put a price on that kind of independence.

Helping AMC Families is thrilled, through the support of our amazing donors and in partnership with AMC Princess Ana and her family, to be able to assist Harmony by purchasing a 2011 Honda Element with a wheelchair ramp to access the drivers side of the vehicle.

If you would like to help Harmony with other expenses related to owning a vehicle (maintenance, gas, insurance, etc.) or just treat her to an independent night out, you can access her direct GoFundMe by clicking here.