In Kingston, Jamaica, the gift of wheelchairs has made a remarkable difference in the care provided by the priests and brothers at the center called "Missionaries of the Poor." The brothers house over 300 people who have been abandoned on the streets of Kingston and left there to die. Before they had the wheelchairs, the brothers had to lift and carry the non-ambulatory "residents" from bed to bath to dining areas. The residents are now happier then ever as they enjoy more time outside in the fresh air and participate in simple activities rather than being confined to their beds. The brothers have also gain relief from the back pain they used to endure due to the constant lifting of the residents. The wheelchairs have made a world of difference – both with the giver and the receiver.

Free Wheelchair Mission's motto is "Transforming lives through the gift of mobility". In this particular story, two lives have been changed because of one wheelchair! The story is about two little orphans, Anthony and Romario, also referred to as "the Dynamic Duo." Anthony has a clubfoot and cannot walk without help. Romario was born with CP and cannot stand or walk on his own. Before they received their wheelchair, the boys spent most of their days lying in cribs or crawling on the floor. With the gift of ONE wheelchair, they both have received the gift of mobility. Anthony uses the wheelchair for support (in the same way one would use a walker) while Romario gets the benefit of sitting up and being pushed around the facility.

As the "Dynamic Duo" maneuver about the center, they laugh and interact with the other children. Their smiles are contagious.Thank you FWM, you have made two little boys very happy!
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