The Wheelchair Foundation from the USA gave hope to disadvantaged disabled people who need new wheelchairs but can’t afford one.
The Wheelchair Foundation from the USA gave hope to disadvantaged disabled people who need new wheelchairs but can’t afford one.
In conjunction with National Rotary and the Department of Health, the Wheelchair Foundation put smiles on disabled patients’ faces on Friday at Noluthando Hall in Joza, when they handed over new sets of wheels to give them mobility, hope and independence. According to the Department of Health’s rehabilitation manager, Agatha Runovics, local hospitals depend on such donations to assist people who are in need. "We don’t have enough good wheelchairs for patients and some have to wait for more than three months to get one from donors," she said.
When they entered the hall on uncomfortable crutches and others on damaged wheelchairs, the senior citizens couldn’t wait to get their new wheelchairs.Ncedisi Ntsomboyi (72) who has been confined to a wheelchair since 1985 says his old wheelchair was problematic as it was not comfortable for him to sit in. "I sometimes felt like standing up when the old wheelchair caused me back pain," he said. Another patient is 48-year-old Raymond Moyikwa who had a his wheelchair for barely three months but it already has a damaged wheel. He added that it will make life easier for him as it is difficult for people like him to use taxis."Thanks to the donors for giving me a new wheelchair because we are expected to pay double the amount for taxi fee and I can’t afford that," said a relieved Moyikwa. "I never thought that I would ever see myself in my own wheelchair," said 68-year-old, Vathiwe Nombewu who had her right leg amputated early this year.
The president of the Wheelchair Foundation, David Behring says his father, Kenneth Behring started the foundation ten years ago with an aim to help disabled people become mobile. "After seeing people affected by birth defects, injured in civil violence or old-aged people my father saw a strong need to donate wheelchairs," he said.
He proudly added that the foundation has now donated 800 000 wheelchairs to people around the world. Behring says all that the foundation wants in return is "to see smiles on the recipients faces". An occupational therapist from Settlers Hospital, Robyn Ashbolt, says it makes things easier for the hospital because patients have to wait a long time before they can receive their own wheelchairs. Adding to the spirit of the occasion was Ezulu Game Reserve from Bedford which assisted the American donors with transport and accommodation and Pick n Pay which provided some snacks for the recipients during the handover.
