The World Opened Up Through the Gift of a Wheelchair

By Joni and Friends|Published On: February 21, 2022|Categories: Wheels For The World|

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
James 1:17

7-year-old Grecia has hydrocephaly and a permanent shunt in her brain that was surgically implanted after she was born. She has struggled with asthma and seizures for most of her life and is extremely weak. Despite her physical weakness, Grecia’s spunk and zest for life were clearly evident to everyone at our Wheels for the World outreach in El Salvador.

Grecia lives with her parents, brother, and sister, Rosa. Because both of her parents work long hours to provide for their family, Rosa was happy to bring Grecia to our Wheels for the World distribution site. Rosa explained that one of her family’s greatest challenges is keeping Grecia out of danger. Grecia’s curious nature compels her to attempt exploring her surroundings, but her muscle weakness prevents her from moving from place to place safely.

Grecia desperately needed a wheelchair.

A wheelchair would allow Grecia to navigate through her world while also keeping her safe. A wheelchair seemed like an impossible dream for Grecia and her family. You see, even though her parents work hard to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table, a wheelchair is something that would always remain financially out of reach.

Something medically necessary that we take for granted in the United States is an unaffordable luxury for families like Grecia’s.

But when Grecia and Rosa came to our Wheels for the World outreach in El Salvador, life changed for their whole family! Our Joni and Friends Ohio team worked tirelessly to custom fit Grecia’s new wheelchair, and Rosa looked on, beaming wide pride and joy.

“If not for your help my sister would not be able to have the wheelchair she needed. I speak for my whole family when I say thank you for helping people like my sister with disabilities!”
Rosa

And Grecia’s eyes sparkled when our volunteer therapists taught her how to push and turn her wheelchair on her own. What a joy to know that Grecia will be able to experience more of her surroundings from a secure seat of dignity!

“Truly I Tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40

Now that Grecia is safely able to leave her house in her new wheelchair, Rosa plans to take her to church. God used our Wheels for the World team members to be the hands and feet of Jesus that day – delivering wheelchairs, Bibles and eternal hope to Grecia and other children and adults with disabilities in El Salvador.