NCART_blog_2 In last week's blog, we talked about some of the diseases, conditions and life circumstances that can lead to a person needing the use of a CRT wheelchair. For today's blog, we will continue to talk about some of these conditions, and what you can do to help make sure they get the coverage they need! ALS Also known as Lou Gehrig's, this disease received attention a few years ago when people performed the "Ice Bucket Challenge" to raise money for research for a cure. Physicist Stephen Hawking, who also lives with this disease, has been portrayed widely in popular media. But the truth is, this disease is sinister, leading to a total breakdown of all muscle function. In the end, those living with it are unable to swallow food, and eventually, unable to breathe. Many depend on CRT wheelchairs to give them relief from the effects of the disease and a better quality of life. Muscular Dystrophy Many people are familiar with this disease because of the green shamrocks that appear in retail windows every year during the MDA's annual fundraising. But muscular dystrophy itself wreaks terrible havoc on the lives of young children, weakening their muscles until they are no longer able to stand or walk. Some even have issues swallowing or breathing. Those suffering from MD often rely on CRT wheelchairs for daily life. Cerebral Palsy This condition develops as a result of abnormal brain development before birth. Those who live with cerebral palsy can have varying degrees of symptoms, but some require a CRT wheelchair in order to achieve mobility. They also may have trouble speaking or swallowing, due to motor impairments. Many became familiar with this disease because of actor RJ Mitte, who played Flynn on the show Breaking Bad. Both Mitte and the character he portrayed have a mild form of cerebral palsy. What can you do? You can contact your representatives in Congress and let them know how necessary CRT wheelchair accessories are—and to overturn CMS's interpretation of the new Medicare guidelines. Tell them there needs to be a permanent solution in place to protect the independence of those who need is most. And, you can become a member of NCART. Our members help support the work that we do. Learn more about becoming a member here.