WVC woman in wheelchair stands in new mobilization device

WVC woman in wheelchair stands in new mobilization device

(Courtesy of An-g Cunningham)


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WEST VALLEY CITY — For the first time in five years, An-g Cunningham stood eye-to-eye with her son, noting that he'd grown taller than she.

Sunday, Cunningham first tested the TEK Robotic Mobilization Device, a 16½-inch-wide machine that will allow her to stand.

Cunningham is in the second phase of multiple sclerosis, and she struggles to access certain areas in her home in her current wheelchair.

After setting up a GoFundMe account* and after a fundraiser put on by the local firefighters, An-g is about $2,500 away from affording the $18,000 device.

Dan Niccum, chief executive officer of Innovations Health, distributes the TEK RMD in North America, and brought the device to Utah for Cunningham to try.

Cunningham didn't realize how weak she is until she tried the machine, but she said it was amazing.

"I still have a long ways to go to be able to get into the machine independently, but I'm going to keep working hard, and I know that I need to increase my upper body strength," Cunningham said. "And I just know that it's going to take a lot of hard work, but it's worth it. … Nothing that's worth it is easy most of the time, so I gotta put in some work."

Niccum said no one else in Utah has received the TEK RMD, and Cunningham does well once she is standing in it.

(Photo: Courtesy of An-g Cunningham)
(Photo: Courtesy of An-g Cunningham)

While in it, Cunningham was able to move through her home pretty easily, and Niccum said she did a great job of learning how to drive it.

The average wheelchair is more than 2 feet wide, Cunningham said, but the TEK RMD makes homes more accessible for their occupants.

"My hopes are high, and I just know that with God, all things are possible, and it's going to be by his strength that I am able to do this," Cunningham said. "I have faith."

At 7 p.m. Dec. 8, the Megaplex Theatres at Valley Fair Mall will hold a private showing of "The Good Dinosaur" and donate part of the proceeds to Cunningham, she said. To buy $12 tickets, visit the West Valley City firefighters' website.

*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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