Susannah’s First Steps Made Possible by Wheels for the World
When Susannah was born with Down syndrome, doctors told her parents, “You have a special child, and there is nothing we can do for her.”
For six years Ricardo and Maria have raised Susannah with love, but never expected her to walk. Ricardo tried to make Susannah a walker, but she needed custom-fitted equipment.
He dreamed that someday Susannah might have a walker that could give her mobility.
When Susannah’s family arrived at our Wheels for the World distribution in Guatemala, Susannah had never stood on her own, let alone taken steps. Our volunteer therapists and mechanics saw potential to help Susannah. But none of the walkers on hand fit her petite stature.
Determined to find a solution for Susannah, the Wheels for the World team modified an existing walker and made her a custom-fitted harness.
With her safety harness in place, Susannah stood still in her walker at first.
Then her mother removed her shoes. Feeling the ground beneath her feet, Susannah took the very first steps of her life! Soon she started zooming around with a look of wonder and amazement in her eyes.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.”
Galatians 5:1
Susannah’s parents filled with joy as they watched their little girl move and explore with freedom.
They promised to help her practice and build strength so that she can enjoy increasing mobility over time.
Susannah’s walker opens fresh horizons both for her and her whole family. Now that Susannah won’t need to be carried everywhere, they will all experience new freedom and hope along with her!
During the same Wheels for the World distribution that changed Susannah’s life, 200 people received wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and other custom-fitted mobility devices. Each recipient also encountered the hands-on love of Jesus through our volunteers, and, best of all, heard the Gospel.
“In the same way, the Gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.”
Colossians 1:6
Through Wheels for the World, Joni and Friends provides life-changing mobility and the hope of the Gospel to people impacted by disability worldwide.
The Joni and Friends Knoxville office is preparing to send another Wheels for the World outreach team to Guatemala in 2022. You can help the Knoxville team serve people with disabilities, both in Tennessee and in Guatemala, with your prayers and generosity.
Support Joni and Friends Knoxville
Your gift today will send the hope of Christ and practical help to people living with disabilities.
