This story comes from one of our pioneer supporters and a constant champion, Susan Shaw:

Don asked me to tell you why I am involved with the Free Wheelchair Mission.  Here is my story:

One night back in 2002 I attended Mariners Church.  As I walked out, I met Don standing behind his simple wheelchair that he just recently designed at the time.  He proceeded to describe his mission and his dream of providing wheelchairs to the needy.  Well, I stood there and stared at this simple wheelchair. 

My business in scuba diving apparel requires me to travel to unusual and mostly poor countries. I thought about the helplessness I have witnessed throughout my travels.  Was this a possible opportunity to help them?  I just stood there.  My mind was spinning. It was one of those moments that you read about!  I knew this is what I had been searching for.  I went home to think about how and where I could somehow make a difference.  I chose Fiji. I knew Fiji was my choice of countries and that’s when my personal mission had begun.

I returned to church the next morning to take photos of the wheelchair and tell Don my plan. I wanted to raise money for wheelchairs. 

That was the beginning, but there is no end to this story. I have now personally delivered over 2760 wheelchairs to Fiji.  I stated my goal on Fiji’s national TV news: I promised that everyone in Fiji who needs a wheelchair will receive one. 

When I visit the people of Fiji in their simple, impoverished homes, I tell them that there are people in far away places that care about them and love them. They are speechless.  The wheelchair gives them instant mobility and pride, and their family most of all relishes their happiness.

I used to ponder why I am blessed with so many gifts and opportunities. Why wasn't I one of those needy?  I didn't earn my blessings, so why am I singled out to be fortunate? I believe that the answer is to return my gifts in numerous ways to those who are without.  There is nothing more motivating to me than witnessing the instant transformation that occurs when someone who has been immobilized by illness or injury is lifted off the ground and into a wheelchair. I feel blessed to hold their hand, pray for them and most of all, give them hope!

There is nothing in my life that has given me such reward.  I continue to receive the best blessing of all, giving! (Read article about Susan in LA Times 2004)
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In Memory of Viliame
When he was 16 he became paralyzed from the waist down
in a rugby accident.  I found him 10 years later in the rehab hospital
suffering with bed sores.  He couldn't sit down, but I gave him a wheelchair
for when he got better. I just learned that he passed away last month.