Wheelchair Distribution
The Wheelchair Distribution process begins with one or more CMM volunteers visiting the location to measure and photograph each child and take a brief medical history in order to select the proper chair. This information is documented on a “Wheelchair Request Application,” which is required for each wheelchair recipient. If the child is a victim of cerebral palsy or polio, we will send a qualified physical therapist to “seat” and properly position the child. The wheelchairs are selected and designated for each child. We photograph the child, both before and after receiving their wheelchair, for our donors.
Receiving a wheelchair can literally transform the life of a child, as illustrated by the following human-interest story.
Gallia lies on a colorful rug that protects her thin, crippled body from Sahara Desert sand, but there is no protection from the flies that crawl on her face and in her eyes, nose and mouth. No one is there to brush them away and she can’t do it herself. Her stiff limbs and gnarled hands prevent her from doing the simplest of tasks like walking or sitting up. Gallia has cerebral palsy. She cannot speak, yet she understands words spoken to her. She makes grunting sounds when she knows someone is listening, and always has a huge smile that shows her happy heart.
Gallia’s mother struggles to lift and carry her 14-year-old daughter to
the other side of the tent where dinner is served. A small pillow props her
up so she won’t choke on her food. Basic necessities are lacking here.
Gallia’s mother was thrilled when volunteers from Children’s Medical Ministries told her that her daughter was getting a wheelchair. Now Gallia can sit up and receive her meals and her mother doesn’t have to lift her off the ground each time she needs to move her. Gallia’s smile confirmed that she was comfortable in her new chair.
