At the Wheelchair Foundation, our mission is to restore mobility and independence to those in need. When we heard about Miguel Silva, a young man with cerebral palsy whose custom wheelchair was stolen in San Jose, we knew we had to help. This is the story of how quick action, community support, and compassion turned a heartbreaking situation into a heartwarming triumph.
A Call to Action:
When our team at the Wheelchair Foundation saw Miguel Silva’s story on ABC7 News, we were deeply moved. Miguel, who relies on his wheelchair to navigate daily life, had lost his custom chair in a car break-in.
“My emotions are: Who is this jerk that took away his gift of life, his gift of mobility?” said Glenn Perry, a Wheelchair Foundation volunteer.
Within 24 hours, we coordinated a donation of a manual wheelchair, ensuring Miguel could continue to live his life with dignity and independence.
Community Compassion:
The response from the San Jose community was overwhelming. Neighbors and strangers alike shared Miguel’s story, expressing outrage and offering assistance. We were reminded of the profound impact that acts of kindness can have when communities come together.
A Remarkable Resolution:
Thanks to this wave of support, an incredible twist occurred—the stolen wheelchair was anonymously returned, left across the street from Miguel’s home.
For us at the Wheelchair Foundation, this was a powerful moment that reaffirmed why we do what we do: mobility is more than just movement—it’s freedom, independence, and hope.
Stories like Miguel’s inspire us to continue our mission. Since our founding, the Wheelchair Foundation has provided over 1.2 million wheelchairs in more than 150 countries, restoring mobility to those in need.
Want to see more stories of impact? Learn about our work and how you can help change lives today.
You can also watch the full news segment from ABC7 News Bay Area by clicking the video link below.
