ROC Your Vacation Testimonials Part 3

Each Wheelchair Is Fit For Each Child

Oscar’s father, Joe, carried him to the clinic where the distribution was taking place. This is normal for families caring for children with disabilities in underserved regions.

Joe shared with the team that Oscar often has to lie on the ground, but he loves to go out, which means someone has to carry him. Oscar also loves music, but due to the nature of his disability and not being mobile, he is often in pain.

The wheelchair is a life-changing gift. Oscar will be more comfortable while enjoying the music. We adjust each wheelchair for each child. Excitedly, Joe exclaimed, “It fits him!” Joe went on to say, “It’ll be easier to take him places. He will eat more and grow!”

Joe told the ROC Wheels team members how the wheelchair will change their lives as well. As parents, they want the best for him. Joe expressed how it filled his heart because of what ROC Wheels had done.

Boy in new wheelchair at the Mexico distribution

Families Changed

“This will help his back a lot, and it will help with posture, when in bed he’s always crooked and uncomfortable.” Juan Pablo’s mother, Martha, told the ROC Wheels team as they began the process to get Juan Pablo fitted for a wheelchair.

Martha is at home alone and has to do all the work by herself. Caring for Juan Pablo gets difficult. He lies on the floor while she works around the house. “The wheelchair will help Juan Pablo be comfortable. He is heavy so the chair will help with his mobility,” Martha told the ROC Wheels team.

Caring for a child with disabilities involves the whole family. Juan Pablo’s sister likes to take Juan Pablo shopping and to the movie theater, this will be so much easier. Juan Pablo’s daily difficulties are mostly regarding his lack of mobility and the wheelchair will change that issue for him and his family.

Juan Pablo is a fun and playful child. He played with his ball most of the time while getting the wheelchair adjusted for him, squishing it against his face. His sister couldn’t talk in the interview, but she was so sweet. She was afraid she would cry if she spoke.

We Will Remember Their Words Of Gratitude

We have donated to a variety of nonprofits regularly and have always wondered what impact they might have. When invited to Puerto Vallarta with the ROC Wheels team to fit wheelchairs for disabled children, we were both excited and unsure how we, with our limited skills, could contribute. However, we were enticed by the idea of combining it with a mini-vacation at a beautiful seaside resort with a group that included some old friends and new acquaintances.

We enjoyed the nice weather, great food and getting to know the team better. However, participating in the wheelchair distribution was transformational. The kids ranging in age from 6 to 12, each with unique physical challenges, showed us how standard wheelchairs were inadequate and customizing such a well-designed adjustable chair to their bodies would make a big difference in their mobility and comfort. Seeing the dedication of the family members in taking care of each child, despite the hardships they had faced for years, was moving. Hearing their stories about the struggles they have faced, having to carry their child everywhere, had a profound impact on us.

We will never look at making a donation to ROC wheels the same way again. We will see their faces and remember their words of gratitude. Carol fought back tears when Juan Pablo’s mother looked at Carol and thanked her profusely through an interpreter for giving her son his chair. She said the chair will improve his posture and allow her to work in the house while he watches. His teenage sister looked on and was too choked up to speak. It will enable her to take him with her shopping and to the movies, a treat he enjoys.

When we got home, we were inspired to donate funds for another chair. There are so many families all over the world that would benefit from a gift like this.

-Carol & Martin Teintze