By Joni and Friends Arizona
Photo by Krysten Boyer
This is made possible through the donation of used manual wheelchairs (in any condition), which are refurbished to like-new condition and then distributed to over 30 countries. Joni and Friends’ teams of volunteers (including physical therapists, mechanics and occupational therapists) custom fit the wheelchair to meet the specific needs of each individual, giving them a Bible in their language and connecting them to a local church. The cost of restoring, shipping and distributing a wheelchair is only about $150, but the impact it makes in the lives of people affected by disability is priceless.
Two years ago, in Warsaw, Poland, we met little five-year-old Bartusz who was severely disabled by hydrocephalus. Because Bartusz could not hold up his head on his own, he had to be carried everywhere by his mother. His mother, overwhelmed with the daily struggles of caring for Bartusz, was physically exhausted and emotionally drained. Life changed that day for both Bartusz and his mother when Bartusz received a brand new pediatric wheelchair! No longer isolated, his mother is now able to safely take Bartusz to school and church.
If you have or know of someone who has a used manual wheelchair, please consider donating it to Joni and Friends to help change the lives of people like Bartusz and his mother. Chairs can be dropped off at our office in the Disability Empowerment Center, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, or you can call our office at 602-275-2568 and we will gladly pick up your wheelchair.
If you would like more information about Joni and Friends, please go to our website at: www.joniandfriends.org/arizona.