Josh’s Story: Transforming Lives, One Wheelchair at a Time

For nearly two decades, father and son duo Don and Josh Routh have been dedicated volunteers for the Wheelchair Foundation, spreading mobility, hope, and joy across the globe. Together, they have traveled to 23 countries on over 43 trips, delivering or sponsoring the delivery of 23,000 wheelchairs to those in need. Their journey is one of compassion, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the power of mobility to change lives.

Josh, who was born with cerebral palsy and has used a wheelchair for most of his life, embodies the foundation’s mission. He lives and works independently, dedicating his time to volunteering, traveling, and inspiring others. His father, Don, has been his steadfast partner in these efforts, and their bond has made a profound impact on countless lives.

A Shared Mission

Every wheelchair delivery trip brings new challenges, emotional moments, and a renewed sense of purpose for Don and Josh. Reflecting on the day’s work over dinner, they always conclude with a heartfelt exchange:

• “Dad,” Josh says, “we did miracles today.”
• “Josh,” Don replies, “we don’t do miracles. Only God does. We just do good stuff.”

And “good stuff” they do. From the Southern tip of Chile to the mountains of Uganda, Josh has demonstrated remarkable determination and courage. He has achieved incredible milestones, including:

• Reaching the base of the Serrano Glacier in Chile, becoming the first wheelchair user to do so.
• Ascending the steps to the Temple of the Sun at Machu Picchu in Peru.
• Trekking alongside mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest of Uganda.
• Being carried up a mountainside in Panama to meet an indigenous chief after gifting a wheelchair to a paralyzed villager.

Each of these accomplishments reminds the Rouths of the transformative power of mobility—not just for individuals, but for their families and communities.

A New Generation of Changemakers

In 2013, Don and Josh launched the “From the Heart – Del Corazón” Schools Program to educate students about disabilities and inspire empathy. This program has reached over 150,000 students and 4,000 teachers across the U.S., introducing a disabilities-awareness curriculum and encouraging youth to participate in wheelchair fundraising and delivery trips. To date, 13 student and teacher groups have traveled to Latin America to deliver wheelchairs, creating lifelong memories and instilling a passion for service.

A Life Full of Purpose

When Josh isn’t traveling for wheelchair deliveries, he leads a busy and active life. A former athlete and champion bowler, Josh now works full-time at a local grocery store, volunteers with organizations like the School of Imagination and Happy Talkers, and explores the backcountry with the Tahoe Donner 4-Wheel Drive Club. Whether skiing in winter or traversing rugged terrain in summer, Josh continues to embrace life with enthusiasm and gratitude.

For Don and Josh, their work with the Wheelchair Foundation is more than a mission; it’s a calling. Together, they have proven that mobility is a basic human right and that, with determination and compassion, all things are possible.

This story was inspired by the article published in the October 2022 edition of Tahoe Donner News. To read the original article, click here.