Last night I had to write a very difficult e-mail message to the manager of the San Diego office of Ability Center in San Diego. My wife’s wheelchair had suddenly stopped working at the worst possible time as we were beginning a six week session of daily radiation treatments for her breast cancer. I explained to the manager that my daughter would be dropping off the wheelchair in front of their facility at eight in the morning and asked if there was any way they could fit in a quick repair. I was very lucky that they had a technician available and were able to do a temporary fix that put the wheelchair back in business the same day.

I have been dealing with this company since 1998, shortly after I was first diagnosed with inclusion body myositis. They sold me my first scooter, and my first van with a lift in the back for picking up the scooter and taking it with me. Since then, I have purchased two wheelchairs for me and a scooter for my wife and two more vans with ramps. Not to mention numerous other mobility aids such as walkers, crutches, sliding boards, and cupholders.

Here is the point I am trying to make: if you have an illness that is compromising your mobility, you really need to develop a relationship with a local company that sells the kinds of equipment that you will be needing. Yes, you can probably buy the same piece of equipment for less through a discount Internet retailer, but where will they be when you have a crisis? And believe me, you will have a crisis. What’s more, a professional mobility specialist will be able to help you get reimbursement through your insurance company or (in the case of my wife and me) an organization such as Muscular Dystrophy Association. They will (or should) also have experts who can make sure your wheelchair or scooter meets your lifestyle needs.

I have not been paid for this endorsement nor was it requested. I simply believe that good people and good companies should be recognized.