Elaine Lee is likely a familiar name to many Yukoners.

Those who were here when Lee was in public school will remember the fund-raising campaign that saw the community band together to get the then-teenager, suffering from what's commonly known as brittle bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta), a new electric wheelchair with the help of organizations like the Kapital Kickers.

The disorder is described on the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (based in Baltimore) website as a genetic disorder characterized by fragile bones that easily break. It's caused by a mutation in a gene affecting the production of collagen found in bones and other tissues.

Along with bones that easily break, those with the disorder often also suffer from a number of additional medical issues including muscle weakness, hearing loss, fatigue, curved bones, brittle teeth and scoliosis.

Now 30, Lee - who wasn't expected to live past the age of two due to her illness- is living independently in Vancouver and is once again in need of a new chair.

An 18-year-old piece of equipment, her current wheelchair can no longer be counted on for the amount of driving Lee does in the B.C. city.

"Without the chair, my whole life just stops," Lee told the Star last week.

Though Lee was approved for the maximum $20,000 in funding from the B.C. government for the new chair, she still needs to raise the remaining $10,000 the chair is expected to cost.

Although it was originally believed $20,000 would cover the cost of the chair, Lee said that figure was based on it being built to the body standards of an average adult rather than to her tiny, 29-pound frame.

Each part will have to be built individually, Lee said.

The electric chair is specialized to move up and down and recline, along with getting Lee to and from where she needs to go.

Lee was quick to point out that for her, the chair means independence, enabling her to move around on her own in her apartment, get to her art classes at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, medical appointments, volunteer work and other activities.

Though unable to work due to her genetic condition, it's thanks to her wheelchair that Lee has been able to live such a full life, making her way from bus stop to bus stop to get to where she needs to go on the regular public transit system rather than using the handy bus service.

As she notes in a letter she's sent to a variety of organizations in an effort to raise funds: "My chair is an extension of my body that enables me to live as independently as I have been, for over half of my life, and without the same features and durability of my current 18-year-old electric wheelchair, my life and ability to even move inside my own home immediately stops!"

While Lee gets some assistance from home care staff at night, she goes about most of her day independently, she stressed.

"It's really difficult for me on my own," she said.

Despite the challenges she faces on a daily basis, Lee enjoys her independence and wants that to continue.

There are times though that maintaining that independence comes thanks to the help of others.

Along with penning the letter asking for the help of organizations, an account has been set up to help raise the approximately $10,000 needed for the chair.

Anyone wanting to contribute to Lee's chair can do so at the Bank of Montreal into account number 39330-001-3247-800. They can also contact her directly at elaines_chair@live.com

Lee stressed her appreciation for any assistance in acquiring her new chair.