Today I would like to talk about some of the late middle aged and younger senior recipients.  Their reaction to receiving a wheelchair connects with me because we are of the same generation. When we were young we had dreams and aspirations; jobs, a spouse, children, recognition for our skills and a life of contributing to our community.  Then for our recipients something happened, it might have been quick - an accident or a medical trauma, or slow like a degenerative disease or an evolving medical condition.  Their life plan was revised and adjusting was challenging.  They became dependent on others for mobility and their most basic needs.  Family roles changed.  Life carried on but in a way they had never envisioned.

Then one day their community worker or other key contact let them know that they would be receiving the gift of a new wheelchair.  Time passed, "Can this really be happening to me?".  Delivery day came.  Anticipation, wanting to look their best when they met the delivery team.  Nervousness at meeting new people.  Yes this is really happening!  And then, you can see something happening - new dreams!  Increased independence, burdens removed from spouses and family - the gift of dignity!  A different view of their future - "Hope on Wheels" has arrived.  Tears of joy flow, bodies stretch, shoulders are drawn back and chests fill with new energy.  Children and grandchildren are proud of their grandparents and eager to tell us of what their parents and grandparents have accomplished and mean to them.  Pictures are taken, then food and conversations follow while we learn more about the recipients.

What follows is but a brief photo gallery of these special people.

A proud family.

Father and son.

Sharing friendship across the world.

Dignity and hope in the Philippines.