Transforming lives through the gift of mobility.

In Their Own Words

Meet Lianni, a 12-year-old in Colombia who was born with spina bifida. Her family does not have the means to seek the specialized care that she needs.

“Life was extremely complicated because we had to carry her and always take her in a plastic chair,” her mother told us. “Going to school was very difficult—she would often get hurt from being bumped around, and the chair was very uncomfortable to handle. [Plus] people almost didn’t want to take her anywhere because they were afraid she might fall out of the chair.”

Lianni’s mother continued, “I had to spend a lot of time taking care of Lianni, and I didn’t have anyone to help, which forced me to take jobs in the afternoon or at night. I would often get home at 10 PM or 2 AM, but I still had to wake up every day at 5 AM to help her and take her to school. Then, we would have to cross unpaved roads and the chair would get stuck and often tip over, causing injuries to her legs and pain in her lower back. I didn’t have the means to buy her a wheelchair that would make her feel better or safer.”

But thanks to your support, Lianni received a new GEN_3 wheelchair through our local distribution partner, Food For the Poor Colombia.

“Now, my daughter is more comfortable,” said her mother with a deep sense of relief. “I can take her to appointments without issue, and we can take her to school in a more comfortable way. She can do chores around the house, move around the house by herself, and go out to socialize. We can see happiness on her face.”

Lianni herself shared, through her brilliant smile, “I’m happy because my body doesn’t hurt anymore. I can go to school and do things like other kids my age. My friends and classmates at school also spend more time with me because they’re no longer afraid I’ll fall.”

Lianni and her mother have a story to tell because of the generosity of friends like you. Thank you for joining us in this mission. Your prayers and support are making a difference in the daily lives of families like this, transforming lives through the gift of mobility.