Walking, a natural capability of most people, is becoming an unrealized hope for those with disabled legs. For many years, I was unable to use my arms while walking because I was dependent upon two canes. This made me uncomfortable and caused me embarrassment while walking with other people, who are at a loss about how to help.
A red wheelchair, as a special birthday gift, came into my life in May, 2006. At first, I was bashful and was not used to sitting in the wheelchair while being pushed by my husband. But then I was wild with a joy that I have never felt – I can shop with my husband on city streets and shopping malls while sitting in the wheelchair, I can do everything more efficiently, and I am not worried about the danger of slipping and falling anymore.
In June, 2007, the wheelchair gave me an unprecedented and unforgettable experience as I sat in the wheelchair and rolled onto the Liaoning Theater’s stage to participate in the performance of the closing song at a televised charity event.
In January, 2008, I was honored to be a deputy to the Provincial People’s Congress. Sitting in the red wheelchair, I attended the 11th Liaoning Provincial People’s Congress and was the only disabled deputy. This fact received major attention from the media. I also received much goodwill from others attending.
In August, 2008, sitting in the wheelchair, I traveled to Beijing by train to the Olympics Center and the Beijing National Stadium to watch the Paralympics Games with friends from all over the world. This fantastic experience will forever be my most precious memory!
In my regular life, I do housework in my wheelchair and walk my beloved dog in the morning. My dog pulls the wheelchair along as he runs!
Heidi Schlotfeldt, from Rustenburg in Africa, sent us pictures and blessings and is overjoyed that Solomon Phiri has regained his mobility. Solomon, who is the wheelchair recipient, was not in attendance to receive his wheelchair at the time of distribution. Solomon suffered a stroke and is paralyzed on the right side of the body.
David A. Kleng visited a mosaic shop in Madaba, Jordan when he witnessed one of the many miracles our foundation offers.
Hi there! My name is Austin Whitney. I am 18, an active athlete, student, and also a new paraplegic. I just graduated from high school in June, and was supposed to be attending the University of Michigan this fall. However on July 21st I was in a bad car accident that severed my spinal cord and left me permanently in a wheelchair, with no sensation or movement from the waist down. I now attend my local community college and am on my way to attending UC Santa Barbara in January. I am so excited for that. I also am speaking at almost two dozen high schools throughout Southern California. I talk about my accident, the mistaken belief many teenagers have in their own invincibility, the choices I made that led to my accident, and the horrible dangers high school students face. I also speak about my recovery and the many lessons I learned about attitude in the 41 days I spent in hospitals this summer. I also talk about wheelchair awareness, as I never knew anyone in a wheelchair before my accident, and I seek to clear up any confusion about handicapped living. One aspect of wheelchair awareness that gives my accident meaning for me has been raising money for the Wheelchair Foundation. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the organization, they send wheelchairs to people around the world who are in desperate need. Current estimates say between 30 and 100 million people are constrained by mobility limitations and would benefit from a wheelchair. You know, six months ago I had never heard of the Wheelchair Foundation, and I could never have imagined the value of a wheelchair. With one, I can be completely independent and a full contributor to society. Without one, I would be constrained to a bed for the rest of my life. My life expectancy is the same as yours, but currently the average life span of a paraplegic like me in a third world country is just three years! A wheelchair is truly a liberator and it gave me my life back. The amazing thing is it only takes $150.00 to send a wheelchair to a developing country and thus give someone back the basic right of mobility. This is a way you can really change the world for someone less fortunate. I have gotten in touch with the Wheelchair Foundation and am trying to raise money to buy as many wheelchairs as possible. My goal was to raise $3,000 before I go off to school in January. I reached that goal recently, so now I am trying to raise $10,000 or 130 wheelchairs! If you are interested in donating, please see their website. Thank you so much for your support. Austin Whitney