This story comes to us from our Development Manager, Alyson Roth, who attended a taping of the “Price Is Right” game show in Los Angeles this week:

On Monday, I took the day off of work to entertain out of town guests. One of the things they wanted to do while visiting was to attend a taping of the “Price Is Right” in Los Angeles. After hours of standing in line, we finally made it inside the studio and taping had begun.

I went into the taping convinced that there was no way they’d call someone to Contestant’s Row in a wheelchair. After a car accident in 2000, my life dramatically changed once I realized I was now paralyzed. Jesus has done amazing things in my life since that devastating time, causing an abundance of joy and peace in my heart and desire to help others overcome barriers in their life. However, there is still a stigma in America that people with disabilities are lower class and should not be bothered with. It is a stigma I fight against every day though most don’t see or know the struggle.

I have been watching the show for many years and have never seen them call someone in a wheelchair. Most people don't want to deal with the logistics and to make sure we are accommodated for, even though it may be something easy and simple. After all, I was just one person out of the crowd of 320 people that they had to worry about that day. Sadly, I feel like I miss out on a lot of opportunities because others don't want to be "bothered." 

I was unbelievably shocked that I actually heard them say, “Alyson Roth, come on down! You’re the next contestant on the Price Is Right!” Never in a million years would I have ever guessed they would allow me to participate in the fun along with everyone else that walked into the studio that day. 

During the commercial breaks, Drew Carey asked me where I was from and what I did for a living.  I told him all about Free Wheelchair Mission and how we help give wheelchairs to those in developing countries who have no other way to get around.  The audience started chanting, "Give her the money!"  You see, if a contestant bids the exact amount of the prize they are bidding on, they win $500 cash in addition to winning the prize. Well, hardly anyone gets that, so the audience was yelling for Drew to give it to me! And he did! The only thing he asked was that I give it to Free Wheelchair Mission to use to purchase wheelchairs! Thank you CBS Entertainment and the “Price Is Right” for giving the gift of mobility to 10 people around the world! 

The taping of the show will air on Monday, April 13^th on CBS. Check your local listings for times.

Friday Wheelchair Story: Re-telling the Story

This story comes from Sam who was on a mission trip to Ethiopia with E3.

"My son, Isaac, is 15,” his father said, referring to the boy sitting next to me. 

Isaac and his brother have both been disabled since birth. I am sitting in his brother's wheelchair that they will bring home for Isaac’s brother. He was not able to attend the distribution ceremony because his father could only transport one of his sons. It will be a special family event for the two brothers to venture out together in their wheelchairs.

I turned to the young man in the yellow shirt. I asked his age, and he was also15 years old. The older woman on the far left appeared to be about 80 years old, but my translator said she was only 50. I got part way through explaining the story of Jesus to them and a back and forth conversation developed between my translator and the boy and the woman.

Our standard course of action when our translators took over was to take a back seat and simply let them do the talking. At the end of their talking, my translator turned to me and said, "Do it again". I confirmed that he wanted me to retell the story, so I did. At about the same point in the gospel story, the boy's face brightened, and the woman sat up straight in her chair and had an astonished look on her face - as if she had just heard the gospel for the first time!

They both came to life in Jesus that day. It was a wonderful victory to show the love of Christ through giving the wheelchairs. It was a wonderful victory to proclaim the redemption and freedom Jesus purchased for them in his perfect life and on the cross. I will never forget that day.

Friday Wheelchair Story: Reverence for my HEROES

This story comes from our dear friend Susan Shaw. She wrote it on one of her many mission trips to Fiji.

I just returned from delivering my 5th container to Fiji.  This was a very important trip for me because instead of taking several people with me who wanted to experience the joy of giving, I took my 22 yr. old nephew, David, who just graduated from USC. I wanted to show this young man something so far distant from our fortunate and blessed lives. I knew he had the heart to embrace these loving people, but, I was overwhelmed with his young passion to share in the joy with the families and recipients of the wheelchairs. The youth are our future and we need them to see what we already have hopefully learned in our life's journey - "Life begins, when you begin to serve".

Bas is our river guide in Fiji. He took us to a village to meet Andre, a 13 year old. He damaged his ankle in a soccer game, and 6 months later got a bone infection that hadn't been treated properly. He was unable to get to school. He is surrounded by the love of all of his siblings, and extended family. You can see by the photo, the terrain in these villages is perfect for these wheelchairs. A conventional chair would not work. He had a smile on his face the entire time we were there. However, if he did not receive proper treatment, he would likely lose his leg, if not his life. The good news is, after our visit, a man who wishes to remain anonymous in Fiji took him to the hospital to get the treatment he needs. It just took a paragraph in an email from me to make this happen, which again reinforces my need and reverence for my HEROES. Without them, I would not be able to see this mission through.

God bless all who help me and those who deserve the dignity of our love.

Friday Wheelchair Story: She was not always happy

This story comes from our dear friend CV Vadavana of Sathyam Ministries in India: 

This is the story of Khadeeja, whose life reveals how a wheelchair can transform one’s life from sadness, depression and agony to hope and enthusiasm. Khadeeja is a 47-year-old Muslim woman from a middle class orthodox family. A housewife and mother of two girls, Khadeeja’s husband runs a small-scale sweets business on the outskirts of the city. She is a jovial woman and feels that she has a blessed life. 

However, she was not always happy.  

Four years ago, Khadeeja began to struggle with hypertension. One day, she fainted and fell while in the bath. Her doctor reported that Khadeeja had suffered a stroke and a brain hemorrhage was was now paralyzed. After three-months, she could finally lift up her body and was able to sit up. However, for routine activities, she had to depend upon others because she could not stand or walk, and her husband was left to support the family. Khadeeja`s eldest daughter stopped her education so she could stay home and care for her mother. 

The family heard about Sathyam Ministries and Free Wheelchair Mission. They sent off an application, and a wheelchair was delivered for Khadeeja. After a few weeks practice, Khadeeja learned how to move about in her new wheelchair all on her own.  

 Most importantly, her oldest daughter is now back in school!

Friday Wheelchair Story: From isolation to useful person

This story comes from the China Christian Council, (CCC) our distribution partners in China. 

HUANG Yi stands with crutches. The child of a poor farmer, he lives with his family in a very remote part of China. He had many dreams when he was still a boy. But a medical accident smashed his hopes when he was just six years old. From then on, Huang Yi lived most of his life in isolation, spending the majority of his time in a single small room.  

When Huang Yi was young, he would complain, or cry, or do both.  But as he grew up, the boy came to realize that he should find a way to help his family by helping himself. Huang Yi began to strive toward a new life. He found a way to begin the process of teaching himself in his little room. He studied math, science, calligraphy, and Chinese. What's more, he found a way to help his parents with much of the housework.   

As he continued his studies, it became evident that Huang Li had a special talent in calligraphy, and in 2008 he was admitted into the art department of Guizhou Normal University. Until he went to university the young man did not even own a pair of crutches; now, he has received the donation of a wheelchair from FWM.  

Huang Yi regards himself most fortunate indeed. He is a college student, he owns a wheelchair, and, upon selection from the Chinese Disabled Council, Huang Yi saw his works of calligraphy chosen for display during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

 HUANG Yi believes that he has been so blessed, he could not possibly repay the many good wills he has received. He wants to do his best to make himself a useful person to society after graduation, and to follow our model of sharing God's love with those in need.

Friday Wheelchair Story:  I heard God's voice

Many of our Friday stories are about how our mission changes lives in developing countries. We change lives here in the USA as well. Here is one about a volunteer right here in Southern California.

Janet Grattan already had a passion for helping people with physical disabilities, through her work as a physical therapist. A few years ago, she began to strive for even greater significance. In 2006, she learned about Free Wheelchair Mission and a short time later, she saw a way for personal involvements as a volunteer for our Run for Mobility event.

Janet dove right in, both as a runner and a fundraiser, asking family, friends and associates to support her efforts in running the 5K. Her story gets better though, for as soon as the first run was over Janet started bringing in other donations. Janet’s total amount solicited to date these past three years is $38,926.70, and that translates to 759 wheelchairs! She gave 759 people a chance for a better life, and removed a staggering burden of support from 759 families of these wheelchair recipients.

Janet says of her involvement, “The simple truth is I heard God's voice that told me I should get involved, and He directed the success of my husband David's and my fund raising ever since. I am not a fundraiser by nature and asking for donations put me way out of my comfort zone. However, I felt it pressed upon my heart to get involved with FWM. Each year God directs the goal amount that my husband and I are to strive to raise. We have been in awe at the support of our donors. We have been blessed to raise funds, run the races, assemble the chairs and to travel to Peru and Chile for distributions. To lift someone into a chair and see their gratitude and that of their family...well, there is nothing like it. The FWM has a special place in our hearts and I will consider myself fortunate if I can continue to participate in its success.”

Friday Wheelchair Story:  Happy Being Pushed to School

This story comes from BEIT Hospital in Zambia

In Zambia, the birth of a child is an occasion of great celebration, but this was not the case with the birth of Abraham. The newborn child wouldn’t stop crying, until he was taken to a hospital where he was treated for malaria. Little did his mother know that this same illness would lead to the cerebral palsy that would permanently rob Abraham of the ability to walk.  

Fortunately, Abraham can talk and has good use of his hands, unlike many children with cerebral palsy, and is able to go to school. But the local school is two kilometers away, and a wheelchair was far beyond the financial capabilities of his parents. Thus, his two elder sisters took on the burden of carrying Abraham to school every day.  

Now that Abraham has a wheelchair, his sisters will not have to carry him, and he will be easily pushed to school. It’s a wonderful thing to see the lives of Abraham and his family changed forever by the gift of mobility!

Friday Wheelchair Story: Impacting families around the world!

May 16^th marked the second annual Free Wheelchair Mission 10 Year Marathon in the Ohio Valley. The 2.62 mile race was held at Oglebay Park in Wheeling, WV, amidst the greenest trees and most dramatic rolling hills I’ve ever seen. The event included live music by the Vineyard worship team, inflatable games, a Kid’s Fun Run and much more. Thanks to the generosity of the participants and an anonymous matching donor, the race raised over $13,000 – that’s enough to provide over 250 wheelchairs! 

Countless volunteer hours go into coordinating race day with an awesome race team coming together to make the event happen. Chuck and Suzy take the lead in coordinating the race each year. Sitting at the kitchen table, Suzy told me about how much hosting this event has strengthened them as a family. She describes, “We love one another but we don’t have a lot of common interests and activities. He loves to run in races and I prefer to stay in with the kids.” Building on their shared passion for Free Wheelchair Mission, coordinating the race is a project they enjoy working on together as a couple. Chuck coordinates the race course logistics and Suzy plans the start/finish line and children’s activities. From seeking event sponsors, to scouring the internet for bib numbers, and promoting the race at local events, they pour their time and talent into a race that lifts people into their very own wheelchair.  I was so amazed to learn that as they advance the mission, their own family and community is becoming stronger here in the U.S.! 

As Jesus said, it is truly more blessed to give than to receive. Can you imagine what we could do if we were all so willing give our talents in service to others? 

PHOTO: Suzy, Ashley Herron from FWM, Chuck

 

(back to top)

---

May 29, 2009

Friday Wheelchair Story: Four Walls

This story comes from Giving it Back to Kids, our distribution partner in Viet Nam:

Mrs. Han has been disabled for 10 years. Since her accident, she is forced to sit in one spot in her house. “Many times when I am home alone and I get thirsty, there is nothing I can do about it because I cannot move, so I have no choice but to wait for my daughter to come home.” Her eyes were filled with tears as she said, “Sitting all day inside a small, cramped room is very sad and lonely. I have nothing to do except stare at four walls.”

She lives with her daughter. Mrs. Han sighed as she said, “Life was already difficult and now it is even worse. My daughter works on a farm, but she does not make enough money to feed the both of us. But everyone has their own problems.”

Receiving a wheelchair is the beginning of a new life for Mrs. Han. “Before I got this wheelchair I was always afraid to go anywhere, because it was so difficult to get around and I did not want to bother other people to help me. Now I will be able to do things for myself and I will not need my daughter to do everything for me.”

Mrs. Han wants to thank all the charities and donors for their kindness towards disabled people. She says, “These wheelchairs will help people with disabilities move past their initial difficulties and have hope in life.”

 

(back to top)

---

June 5, 2009

Friday Wheelchair Story: Sweet Chariot

A friend from the Midwest, Phil Church of the Presbyterian Church of Paris, Illinois, was able to put into words the hope and heart of Free Wheelchair Mission.

Phil said his inspiration was “watching a mother gazing at her handicapped child, sitting happily in a new Free Wheelchair Mission wheelchair and proclaiming it to be his ‘chariot.’ ” He imagined himself crawling on the ground, unable to go with others in this world and wishing for hope, dignity and love.

Thank you Phil! These beautiful sentiments need no further introduction. Enjoy…and be moved: 

Sweet Chariot by Phil Church

Please let me go places where you go.
Take me along, sorry I’m so slow.
Let me go along, don’t just leave me here.
Down here in the dark, not going anywhere.
Lift my body up, lift my spirits too.
I want so much just to go with you.
And I need your help, to see what I can do.
‘Cause someone’s found a way so I can go with you.

In sweet chariots, created in Christ’s love
can take us from below, to the light and life above.
And these sweet chariots can help us finally live
A future filled with hope and love,
From those like you who give sweet chariots that lift our bodies up,
Set our bodies free in Sweet Chariots!

So many hurt, hurting just like me.
Give us our life, give us dignity.
Cause you can do all things in Him who strengthens you.
You can set us free, and we can go with you.
In sweet chariots that lift our bodies up,
Now we can go with you, in sweet chariots.
Sweet, sweet chariots that set our bodies free.
Now we can go with you, in sweet chariots, in SWEET CHARIOTS.

 

(back to top)

---

June 12, 2009

Friday Story: China Distribution 

We show you many photos of one or a few wheelchairs at a time.  We estimate that China needs 20,000,000 wheelchairs.  Our partners there generally give many away in a grand ceremony, such as in this photo from our good friend Dr. Lau and the HIS Foundation (Fullerton, CA).

Disability organizations decide well in advance who qualifies to receive a wheelchair. They pick a date for the ceremony. Organizing this process is a huge undertaking. Disabled people come all different ways, many 10 miles or more, like these two charming people:  

 

This distribution occurred in March in Henan Province, and you can tell it was cold. The green bags contain ….(Whitney will ask Dr. Lau.) 

So much to do. Thank you for helping us get it done.

 

(back to top)

---

June 19, 2009

Friday Wheelchair Story: Back to being the breadwinner

This story comes from one of our partners in India called Manav Sadhna: 

Looking at Deepak today, you would never know that at one time he used to be a young and energetic boy. A few months ago, while he was repairing a large door, it gave way and suddenly fell on him. This accident was disastrous for a young boy who was the sole breadwinner for his family. 

Deepak comes from a very remote village in the state of Gujarat, India. His father died when he was 15 years old. He took the entire household responsibility on his own shoulders and started working on a farm as a laborer. It was up to this young boy to provide for his mother and younger brother.  

The doctor said he would never walk again. This threw Deepak into a deep depression as the roles were now reversed. His mother and younger brother ended up taking care of him.  

Physically and emotionally scarred, a disheartened Deepak confided in us: “Just two months ago, I was working, playing and dancing like a normal boy. Now, after the accident, I feel totally helpless and frustrated. I don’t know why this has happened to me.” It has affected his family mentally and economically as well.  

Little did he know that his life was about to change. Through the generosity of the Free Wheelchair Mission, Deepak was the proud recipient of a wheelchair. It has totally changed his life around. Now he does not feel dependent on his family and can move around on his own. He is looking forward to doing something constructive and going back to being the breadwinner for his family.

 

(back to top)

---

June 26, 2009

Friday Wheelchair Story: Las Cruces

A couple of weekends ago, Las Cruces, NM hosted 4 days of events for their “Lifting a Life” campaign. Below is a story from our Development Manager, Alyson Roth: 

The energy and enthusiasm for supporting Free Wheelchair Mission in Las Cruces is amazing! We have a wonderful ambassador for Mobility in this community, Dennis Prickett who is a physical therapist. The passion to raise money for mobility that Dennis and local event planner, Erlinda Portillo, share spread quickly throughout the community. Radio stations, newspapers, and local businesses all joined together to help promote the events. Being so close to the Mexican border, many people in this town have family members or friends that are in desperate need of a wheelchair. They truly rallied behind this cause so that others could experience a better life through the gift of a wheelchair. The entire weekend raised over a container of wheelchairs that will all be headed to Mexico in the months ahead!  

The weekend was packed with activities including an “Oldies But Goodies” dance, the “Fajita Fiesta” in historic Mesilla where local venders served fajitas with proceeds donated to FWM, and a presentation at Sierra Vista Community Church. They saved the best for last on Monday when we were able to distribute 10 wheelchairs across the border in Juarez, Mexico! These went to men and women in a skilled nursing facility that had no wheelchairs for any of its residents. The tears that streamed down 80 year-old faces as they received their first wheelchair were heartfelt and sincere. They put their hands together and thanked God for their new found freedom. For Dennis and the entire team, it was an amazing opportunity to see their efforts come full circle. 

On Sunday, while speaking to the Sierra Vista Community Church, I challenged everyone to think about the average cost of a soda and how much impact they could have if they were willing to give up 3 sodas per week. If each person in the congregation of 400 people did this, they would be able to provide 4 wheelchairs to someone in need. Many gave sacrificially and gave up something so that others could simply live.   

A phone call to the Free Wheelchair Mission office in 2007 led to this entire community getting behind a common effort to get wheelchairs into Mexico. They learned they were able to come together and help people in their own back yard in Mexico while at the same time providing a sense of community within their town. Thank you for all your hard work, and we look forward to seeing you distribute your first container later this year!

Event Wrap-up and Photos

 

 

(back to top)