Guadalupe’s New Seat Of Dignity And Mobility Has Given Her A Whole New Perspective On Life!

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

Jesus changes lives through the Joni and Friends Wheels for the World program, which delivers wheelchairs and the Gospel to people across the globe. Just ask Marleny, Guadalupe’s mom…

Marleny’s Story

“My story is one of suffering. When I was pregnant, my in-laws beat me and threw me out of their house. They broke Guadalupe… I feel bad because I can’t give my daughter what she deserves,” says Marleny.

Marleny and Guadalupe live in Peru. Guadalupe has Down syndrome and cannot walk because of a broken hip. She also can’t eat on her own and needs constant care for all of her needs, including diapering. And as Guadalupe has grown, it has become impossible for Marleny to carry her anymore.

“I got a hernia because she’s gotten so heavy… My sister-in-law told me I should let Guadalupe die. But I am not ashamed of Guadalupe. She is my daughter. I’m not going to give up,” says Marleny.

Hope Breaks Through

Marleny gathered up the pieces of her shattered heart and brought Guadalupe to our Wheels for the World wheelchair distribution in Peru. And surrounded by God’s love, made tangible through the Joni and Friends team, they found new hope and joy.

“When I heard about Joni and Friends, I felt so much relief that it gave me new strength. This wheelchair is a gift from God! He has opened a door for me. I will be able to take Guadalupe with me wherever I go!”

Marleny

While our Wheels for the World mechanics and therapists worked tirelessly to ensure Guadalupe received the perfect wheelchair, one of our volunteers gave Guadalupe her very first manicure—capturing her attention and keeping her still during her wheelchair fitting. Her mother watched with tears in her eyes as Guadalupe was treated with a new level of dignity and respect.

Their Lives Changed for Good

Guadalupe and her mother were forever changed because of the hands-on love demonstrated by Joni and Friends. Guadalupe no longer needs to be carried every time they leave their home. And Guadalupe’s new seat of dignity and mobility has given her a whole new perspective on life!

No wonder her mother said: “You’re helping children who cannot walk, and they need it! Thank you!”

During our Wheels for the World outreaches in Peru, we custom-fit 480 wheelchairs and shared the Gospel with every wheelchair recipient.

What can you do to help?

Across the globe, the majority of people who need mobility equipment—like a wheelchair—can’t afford or access one. You can make it possible for Joni and Friends to hand-deliver and fit people in wheelchairs in developing nations. Best of all, with every piece of mobility equipment given, you also reach children, families, and communities with the Gospel!