Meet Capucine, a woman full of energy, curiosity, and drive. At 44, her days are anything but ordinary. From pole dancing several times a week to exploring theme parks with her son, trying competitive shooting, or riding her motorcycle, she lives life to the fullest.
Capucine is a passionate woman who works as a nurse at the Lacoste offices in Paris. She’s also a dedicated mom who lives with Kallmann syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and an important dysautonomia. Three invisible conditions that bring her significant fatigue on a daily basis, and a constant need for adaptation.
Over time, Capucine learned to better understand how her body works and to find solutions that allow her to keep moving forward, both professionally and personally. This led her to rethink how she moves through the world, bringing her to try the APEX Carbon Rigid Wheelchair.
With the right mobility solution, Capucine didn’t slow down. She found a new way to keep going. Today, we talk with her to get to know her better, learn about her passions, her experience with her Motion Composites wheelchair, the NXT Optima Carbon Back Support, the NXT Biofit Cushion and the EPPUR system.
Interview:
Capucine Calloud: It’s been a little over a year now. I started considering using a wheelchair thanks to an association in France called “Vivre avec le syndrome de POTS”. They helped me understand and accept my condition and realize that what I was experiencing was real and that I was not alone, and that others were experiencing this too. Living with an invisible condition is not easy, you know?
One day, I told them I wanted to go to an amusement park with my son, but that it had become physically just impossible. They suggested renting a wheelchair for the day. I had never thought of that, but I decided to try it.
When I went to pick it up, it was a very emotional moment. I cried because it made the situation very real. But a few days later, we went to the park, and everything changed: I was able to fully enjoy the day with my son, without discomfort or exhaustion. We even managed to do more rides than I had imagined.
That experience was a turning point. Even though the rented wheelchair was heavy and not adapted to my needs, it showed me how much it could improve my daily life. I spoke with my doctor, who encouraged me to get my own wheelchair and use it as an occasional tool to preserve my energy.
That’s how it all started.
CC: It has completely changed my daily life! The wheelchair allows me to save energy and, most importantly, to do things I had stopped doing without even realizing it.
For example, I was convinced that I didn’t like shopping. In reality, it had simply become too difficult for me: standing, dealing with noise, light, crowds… everything was too demanding for my body. Since using a wheelchair, I can go longer without getting exhausted, and I actually enjoy it again!
Using a wheelchair has given me back a more active social life and, above all, more freedom. I can choose when to save my energy and when to spend it. Sometimes I use it “just in case,” sometimes because I’m already tired, and sometimes simply because I want to enjoy myself without limitations.
Even in small everyday things, like going back to pick up something forgotten at the grocery store, it changes everything. Before, I would give up. Today, I know I can do it.
In the end, the wheelchair gave me back something very simple but essential: true independence.
CC: I discovered it somewhat by chance, initially through a provider who mentioned the Autonomic trade show in France. I went with a friend who has the same condition as me, and that’s where it all started.
There, I met several professionals, including Julien Desprez (the National Sales Director for France for Motion Composites), who introduced me to different wheelchair models, including the APEX C and the VELOCE. I was able to try them directly at the show, and it was a real revelation in terms of comfort and quality.
After that, we stayed in touch. When I realized that my wheelchair was no longer suitable at all for my needs, I restarted the conversation and was supported throughout the process. Julien took my measurements and helped me find the wheelchair configuration best suited to my needs.
CC: I hesitated for a long time between the APEX C and the VELOCE, as both had features that suited me very well. At first, I was used to a folding wheelchair, so going back to that type of model felt more reassuring.
But in the end, I was advised to choose a rigid frame, especially for better stability, which is important given my joint issues. And during the trials, I had already had a real favorite for the comfort of the rigid frame.
So, I chose the APEX C because it best matched my needs and how it felt.
CC: Green is a color I really like, so the choice came quite naturally. I also really appreciated the range of colors available.
At first, I was tempted by something more eye-catching, but for daily use I wanted something more understated. The matte finish on the Khaki green, especially appealed to me: it’s discreet, elegant, and timeless.
CC: Everything! I find it really beautiful, and it fits me perfectly. I love that it’s carbon; it’s lightweight, and I feel like I’m in a racing wheelchair. Even though it’s not strictly a sports wheelchair, I feel very comfortable in it.
CC: It adapts to everything! Recently, I even integrated it into my pole dancing practice. I used it to move around and prepare my exercises, and it really helped me, even though I don’t use it during the sport itself.
It also allows me to access activities I’ve dreamed of doing for a long time, like shooting. Standing would be impossible for me. With the APEX C, I can fully participate and meet people who share these passions.
In my life as a mother, it allows me to enjoy many more moments with my son.
Thanks to my APEX C, I have regained a freedom I never thought I would have again: encounters, activities, travel… my life has expanded incredibly.
CC: For me, EPPUR wheels have been revolutionary. I don’t think I could use my wheelchair without them. I have hands with unstable joints and wrists heavily affected by hypermobility, and I’ve had pain since I was very young. Even at 14–15 years old, I already had hand pain.
I started using regular handrims; even if they were lighter, it was impossible for me to keep using them. I have photos of my hands being four times their normal size because of the strain of using standard wheels. They were rubbing my joints, which caused fluid buildup, and then I couldn’t use my hands anymore.
The EPPUR system allows me to use my wheelchair for almost the entire day, and they have significantly reduced my hand pain and fluid buildup.
CC: I tried several cushions, some of which were okay. During the demo I did with Motion Composites, I was shown the NXT products, and I LOVED them! I can stay on them all day; I couldn’t do that with my old cushions.
The contoured backrest supports my back well, and the foam is very comfortable. I have no pain at all. I can stay seated without feeling like I’ve been sitting all day.
For example, a few weeks ago, I was giving a training for two very demanding days. It was the first time I dared to use my wheelchair for a day like that. Thanks to it, I was able to save a lot of energy and remain comfortable throughout the day!
CC: Don’t be afraid. The first time can be difficult, but you need to let go of the binary “able/disabled” mindset and understand that it’s great to be yourself as you are. My wheelchair only brings me positive things. Even for someone with a more significant disability than mine, these tools offer the possibility of being independent and living fully. So go for it. You’ll see!
We want to thank Capucine for the time she took to meet with us and share her experience with the APEX C, the NXT Optima Carbon Back Support, the NXT Biofit Cushion, and the EPPUR system! We loved talking with her and learning more about her passions and how our products have made a real difference in her life.
Don’t forget to check her social media accounts (Instagram, LinkedIn), where she shares snippets of her pole-dancing practice or competitive shooting. Also, she told us that she's working on an important new project that will showcase her APEX C even more. You won't want to miss it!
