YELLOWKNIFE - A woman with a neurological disorder that has confined her to a wheelchair since last summer is fighting for financial support from the territorial government.

Diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis that has paralyzed her from the chest down, Bobbi Bouvier lives with her partner Meda Shannahan and Shannahan's two children.

Meda Shannahan, left, and Bobbi Bouvier in their home. Shannahan says the GNWT is not providing assistance for Bouvier. Transverse Myelitis has paralyzed Bouvier from the chest down. - Jessica Klinkenberg/NNSL photo About the Disorder Transverse Myelitis is a neurological disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. The disorder damages nerve cell fibres, interrupting communication between nerves in the spinal cord and the rest of the body, causing pain, muscle weakness or paralysis. Causes can include abnormal immune system response to a virus or some autoimmune diseases like lupus or Devic disease. In acute cases, symptoms can appear within hours or days. Some people with the disorder recover with little or no permanent effects, while others are permanently affected.

The government has offered Bouvier a one-bedroom apartment and the services of a rehabilitation nurse for 10 hours a week.

Shannahan said that if Bouvier lives on her own, she would need around-the-clock care. Shannahan said that though it would be easier to put Bouvier in a one bedroom apartment, she would never consider that.

"I'm not giving up on her, I'm not cutting my losses," said Shannahan. "This is my family.

"She's begging for her life, that's what she's doing."

Bouvier said that it was frustrating "that nothing's going on, that I've been like this for almost a year and nothing's happened."

Shannahan said she believes that the fact that she and Bouvier are a same-sex couple is affecting the government's decisions.

Greg Cummings, deputy minister for health and social services, said that is not the case.

"No patient would be refused home care services," he said.

Health Minister Floyd Roland was not available for comment.

Following her diagnosis, a fundraiser at the Gold Range raised $15,000 for Bouvier's medical expenses.

Shannahan said one of their greatest supports was Bouvier's doctor, Hashmat Ayoubi.

She said Ayoubi was coming to their house three times a week, offering support and writing letters to help them.

Matt Pond, a friend with a home renovation business, chipped in 40 hours of labour to build a wheelchair ramp when her heard about the couple's problems with government assistance.

"I didn't have a good conscience knowing that they were in that house and Bobbi wasn't able to get out of there," he said.

"Basically the hospital sent her home to an unsafe environment."

Pond said he helped out because they needed assistance and he had the means to provide it.

"I didn't do this for any recognition or a pat on the back," he said.

He said it was frustrating to see the women struggling for assistance.

"(Bouvier) can't help the cards she's dealt," he said. "It's pretty sad when you get more out of the community and friends instead (of the government)."

Despite the situation, Bouvier still remains positive, though she doesn't know what will happen. "I don't know what happens. I hope something good happens."