Salome is a kind, gentle woman in her late eighties.
She lives in a rural part of Costa Rica with her daughter, Rupertina, her son-in-law, and her granddaughter.
With limited economic opportunities in the area, Rupertina has long struggled to help support the family while taking care of her mother, who broke her hip in a nasty fall three years ago and has been unable to walk ever since.
Salome’s reduced mobility, coupled with her age, has progressively weakened her body.
Although Salome had been able to use a walker for short periods, it quickly became apparent that she didn’t have the strength needed to make this a practical solution. “At some point, I just decided to move her only as much as needed, because she is very weak”, shared Rupertina, who began to stay home and care for her mother full-time.
Being confined to their home was dreary for them both.
Our local distribution partner, called Grupo Do It, connected with Salome and fitted her with a brand-new GEN_2 wheelchair. After making adjustments, the team trained Salome and Rupertina in proper wheelchair use and maintenance.
“Having this wheelchair is so good for her,” said Rupertina. “She no longer has to spend the entire day in bed or on the sofa, and if she wants to be outside, she doesn’t have to sit in a hard, uncomfortable chair anymore.”
Rupertina gushed with gratitude. “Thank you so much for thinking of us, because this would not have been possible if it weren’t for you. May God bless all of you!”
Because of you, Salome received comfort in a time of pain and support in a time of weakness.
You’ve also helped give Rupertina the peace and freedom she needs to tend to the rest of her family’s needs.
Thanks to you, families like Salome’s, all over the world, know that they haven’t been forgotten.
Blessings,
Don Schoendorfer
Founder and President
freewheelchairmission.wordpress.com 