Greetings and Happy Friday!

March 10 , 2006

Here are some highlights for the week:

  • Containers were cleared for distribution in Brazil, Chile and Vietnam
  • Containers left China for Uganda, Ecuador and Somaliland
  • Our second Women Advocating Mobility (WAM) meeting was a huge success.  Col. Randy Hart of the US Army explained how our wheelchairs are saving the lives of US troops, Iraqi citizens, and contributing to the stabilization of Iraq.
This story comes from Dannell. She is in Cambodia with her father Bill. We sent 1100 wheelchairs their just recently, and they helped distribute many of them:

At first people would give me this look, not of disdain, but I guess of distrust. I don't think they felt worthy to be there, worthy to receive these gifts of the wheelchairs. As soon as I would smile, though, they would break out in huge smiles, bow down and put their hands together to thank me. Some were victims of landmines, some were mentally retarded, and some were just born without limbs. The one thing they all had in common is that they've lived the recent past as outcasts of society, with literally no government assistance, no financial wherewithal, and sadly no self-respect. I felt so honored to be able to witness this life-altering event.

We gave away 200 chairs. Keep in mind that this probably changes the lives of 1000 people though - as these recipients won't have to rely so much on family members, friends, and neighbors anymore.

This man hadn't left that mat for 10 years, since he fell and injured himself. He said he has no family, no one to help him. Neighbors will bring him food from time to time so he can eat. A few years ago someone came by and took his name and said they'd come back with a wheelchair for him. It never arrived.