Wishes for Wheels – Shaylee Boger

Shaylee has spent her life redefining what is possible. Diagnosed with Pompe disease just before turning 13, she was told she could lose her ability to walk and faced an uncertain, shortened life expectancy. But Shaylee has continued to challenge those expectations through determination, advocacy, and an unwavering passion for staying involved in the world around her.

A lifelong advocate and community leader, Shaylee has dedicated much of her time to supporting others living with rare diseases while also volunteering at major events like marathons and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. However, living with a progressive condition meant learning how to balance her determination with protecting her body and preserving her future mobility.

As her condition progressed, Shaylee began using a wheelchair more frequently, not because she had lost the ability to walk, but because she wanted to protect her body, manage her energy, and continue doing the things she loves. Her first wheelchair helped her maintain her independence, but it was not designed for her changing needs. The weight, vibrations, and overall design limited how often she could use it and where she could go.

In 2025, Shaylee applied to the Wishes for Wheels Program and she was selected to receive a custom APEX C Carbon Fiber Wheelchair. Designed around her unique lifestyle and needs, her new wheelchair provided a lighter, more comfortable, and more efficient way for her to move through the world. The reduced weight made transportation easier, while the carbon fiber frame helped reduce the vibrations that impacted her daily comfort. Most importantly, it gave Shaylee the confidence and freedom to continue pursuing the activities and experiences that matter most to her.

In this article, Shaylee shares her journey with the Wishes for Wheels Program and how her APEX C has impacted her daily life.

Interview:

Motion Composites:  What was your mobility situation like before receiving the wheelchair?

Shaylee Boger: My previous wheelchair helped me, but there were a lot of limitations. The vibrations were one of the biggest issues, since they were causing me more pain, and the weight was a challenge.

I had always been told by my physical therapist that a lightweight carbon fiber or titanium chair would be ideal for me, but I didn’t fully understand why until I had the opportunity to use one. Having a wheelchair that is lighter, easier to transport, and better suited for my daily life has made a huge difference.

MC: What challenges were you facing in your day-to-day life? And how did those challenges impact your independence or participation in activities?

SB: As I said, the biggest challenges were the vibrations and the weight of my chair. Because of Pompe disease, I already put more stress on my body when I walk, and I have to be very intentional about protecting my joints, my spine, and my energy. The vibrations from my wheelchair were affecting my comfort, and the weight made it difficult to transport independently.

There were times when I would choose not to go somewhere because I knew I needed my wheelchair to participate, but I did not have the energy to take it in and out of my car. It became a barrier. Not because I didn’t want to do things, but because my equipment was limiting what I was able to do.

A big part of my life is learning how to listen to my body and use the tools I have to protect my future. My wheelchair allows me to save my energy for the things that matter most, whether that is volunteering, traveling, spending time with friends, or continuing my advocacy work. Having equipment that works with me instead of against me has made a huge difference in my confidence and independence.

MC: How did you first hear about the Wishes for Wheels program?

SB: I first heard about the Wishes for Wheels Program after I received my first wheelchair. I honestly don’t even remember exactly how I found it. I just randomly stumbled across the website while I was looking at different wheelchair manufacturers. I wasn’t specifically searching for wheelchair programs; I was just clicking through different pages and somehow ended up there.

When I applied, I never expected to be chosen. I actually found out about it during a very chaotic time in my life. I was on a flight to see my hip surgeon for my pre-op appointment when Christie Hamstra (Motion Composites clinician) called me and asked about my application. I had listed my ATP in North Carolina even though I lived in Texas, so she called to clarify. I was sitting on a layover with about 10 minutes, and that conversation really made my day.

MC: What did it mean to you when you found out you would receive a wheelchair?

SB: At that time, I was preparing for another major surgery, and everything felt overwhelming. I was coordinating doctors across multiple states, preparing for a very complicated procedure, and trying to process what recovery would look like. Then I found out I would be receiving this wheelchair.

To me, it gave me a lot of hope. So much of what I do through advocacy is for other people and for the next generation of patients. I fight for change and share my story because I want to make things better for others. But this was something that was done for me.

It was also really meaningful because I felt seen. I sometimes struggle with asking for help or accepting something that is just for me, because so much of my work is focused on helping others. Receiving my APEX C felt like someone was recognizing my journey and giving me a tool that would help me continue doing the things I love.

MC:  What is your favorite feature of your wheelchair?

SB: My favorite things about my wheelchair are how lightweight it is and how easy it is for me to use independently. I’m always amazed by how light it is. Being able to lift my chair into the back of my car without having to think about it has made such a huge difference in my everyday life.

I also absolutely love the NEWTON Wheel Locks. They are one of my favorite features because they make the chair feel really intuitive and easy to use.

The biggest difference is that this chair was designed for my active life, and to match my lifestyle needs! It is significantly easier to maneuver, it is smaller front-to-back than my previous chair, and it allows me to be more independent. I don’t have to spend as much energy managing my wheelchair, I can save that energy for the things I actually want to do.

MC: How has your new wheelchair changed your daily life?

SB: My APEX C has changed my daily life by making things easier and more accessible. Before, there were a lot of things I could technically still do, but my wheelchair was creating barriers that I didn’t always realize until I had a chair that worked better for me.

The biggest difference has been the weight. My previous chair was significantly heavier, and there were times when I would decide to stay home because I knew I needed my wheelchair to participate, but I didn’t have the energy to lift it in and out of my car. With my APEX C, I can lift it myself without having to think about it. That simple change has given me more freedom.

The reduced vibrations have also made a huge impact. Because of my condition, I already put a lot of stress on my body when I walk, so reducing the extra strain that comes from road noise helps me protect my energy and my body.

My new wheelchair has allowed me to say yes to more things. It has made it easier to go places, participate in activities, and continue doing the things I love. It gives me the ability to use my energy where it matters most, not fighting my equipment, but living my life.

MC: How has it impacted your independence or confidence?

SB: My APEX C has definitely increased my confidence because it is a chair that I can use more independently. It is significantly easier for me to manage on my own, which gives me more confidence when I’m out in the world.

In terms of independence, I didn’t necessarily rely heavily on other people before, but this wheelchair has allowed me to go more places and participate more easily. It has removed some of the barriers that made everyday activities harder and has helped me continue doing the things that are important to me.

MC: What would you say to other people who are thinking of applying to the Wishes for Wheels Program?

SB: For anyone thinking about applying to the Wishes for Wheels Program, I would say: just do it. I have actually shared the program with several other people because I truly believe in it.

I don’t have a huge number of followers on social media, but I have an amazing community. I engage with a lot of people with disabilities and rare diseases, and I know how much programs like this can mean. A wheelchair can completely change someone’s ability to participate in life, and people should not hesitate to apply just because they don’t think they have a big enough platform or story.

The Wishes for Wheels Program made a huge difference for me, and I hope more people take the opportunity to apply and see what is possible.

We want to thank Shaylee for the time that she took to meet with us and share her experience with the Wishes for Wheels Program. If not done yet, make sure to go and follow her on social media (Instagram), and join her amazing community!

If you or someone you know uses a wheelchair and could benefit from a high-end ultralightweight manual chair, but don’t have the means to obtain one, we encourage you to apply for the Wishes for Wheels Program. The application is simple, straightforward, and can be completed entirely online.

Learn more about the Wishes for Wheels Program or apply today!