On June 24, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela in rapid succession, causing widespread damage and forcing thousands of people to leave their homes in fear of additional aftershocks. For people living with disabilities, evacuating was not as simple as running outside or quickly finding another place to stay.
In Caracas, Mariel Delgado was caring for her son Christopher, a young man with multiple disabilities and extremely fragile bones. They had to wait for help to safely leave their home. Like many people with disabilities and older adults, Christopher later slept on the floor or outside because the family feared returning indoors while aftershocks continued.
“We can’t just run out; we must think about medicines, diapers, and everything our children’s health depends on.”
– Mariel Delgado, Christopher’s mother
Their experience illustrates an often-overlooked reality of natural disasters: fleeing is not equally possible for everyone. People who rely on wheelchairs, caregivers, medications, or specialized equipment may require additional time and assistance to evacuate. Damage to homes, roads, hospitals, and transportation systems can make those challenges even greater.
Providing Wheelchairs to People in Need
The Wheelchair Foundation has been asked to help provide wheelchairs for children and adults in Venezuela who need mobility assistance following the earthquakes.
Our role is focused and direct: providing wheelchairs that can help recipients regain mobility, independence, and dignity during an extraordinarily difficult period.
For someone living with a disability, recovering from an injury, or separated from essential mobility equipment, a wheelchair can make the difference between remaining confined and being able to move safely through a home, shelter, medical facility, or community.
As Venezuela begins the long process of recovery, the need for dependable mobility equipment remains urgent.
Help Restore Mobility
Your donation can help support the purchase, shipment, and distribution of wheelchairs to people in Venezuela.
Every contribution brings us closer to providing a child, adult, or older person with the freedom to move and participate more fully in daily life.
Please help us restore mobility in Venezuela.
Thank you for supporting the Wheelchair Foundation and our mission of providing mobility, hope, and dignity to people around the world.