Our 17-year-old daughter Lili was always full of life. Since childhood, she had been a competitive swimmer and dreamed of studying chemistry one day. She had a clear goal—and the determination to reach it.
But everything changed overnight.
At just 14, Lili suddenly became paralyzed from the waist down. She was diagnosed with two rare genetic conditions—Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and mitochondrial spastic paraplegia. Both are incurable and progressive.
In an instant, her world of movement was replaced by a wheelchair.
And while the wheelchair itself is a huge challenge, the hardest part was accepting that the life we had imagined would never be the same.
She never gave up
At the time, Lili had just started her studies at a secondary chemical school. But due to her sudden condition, she had to leave—her school was not equipped to support a student with her needs.
Instead of classrooms and friends, her days were filled with hospitals, tests, and moments that are still difficult to revisit.
Life in a wheelchair is about much more than mobility. It’s a daily challenge—physically and financially. Rehabilitation, medication, specialized equipment… these are essential for Lili to function, yet they come with costs that are often invisible to others.
Without support, managing these challenges becomes overwhelming.
Despite everything, Lili showed incredible strength.
Step by step, she found her way back to life—and even back to the water. This time as a para swimmer. Once again, she is doing what she loves. Training. Competing. Fighting.
And now, an extraordinary opportunity has come her way.
A life-changing opportunity
Lili has been accepted to study at one of the world’s most prestigious international boarding schools in Norway—United World College Red Cross Nordic.
For her, this is more than just school. It’s a chance for a fresh start. For independence. For a life where she can have the same opportunities as her peers.
But to make this possible, she urgently needs one crucial piece of equipment—a power assist device for her wheelchair. This would transform her manual wheelchair into a motor-assisted “trike,” allowing her to move independently in the challenging terrain of the Norwegian fjords.
Without it, true independence simply won’t be possible.
What will your donations support?
Studying abroad with a disability comes with significant costs that we, as a family, cannot cover on our own:
- Power assist for the wheelchair
- Flights and transport of medical equipment
- Medication and rehabilitation
- Health insurance in Norway
Every contribution brings Lili one step closer to the life she deserves.
Help Lili reclaim her independence
Lili has already proven she won’t give up. Now she needs support to keep moving forward.
Help her stand tall—not on her feet, but in her future.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any support ❤️
