How did Wheelchairs of Hope begin?
You might say Wheelchairs of Hope had it’s very beginning when a 3 year old American boy living with his family in Yamagata, Japan became quite ill and needed a wheelchair. It was a sunny day when his first wheelchair, a bright yellow one, arrived. Daniel’s disease (later diagnosed as a degenerative disease called NCL, also known as Batten Disease) was progressive, and that yellow wheelchair was just the first of many for him. Living in Japan Daniel benefited from modern medicine and a system to supply quality medical equipment to disabled children. Daniel was given mobility and his family knew future needs would be provided for in his declining condition. Unfortunately, there are over 20 million people in the world who are not as fortunate as he. For some a wheelchair costs their entire year’s wages. This was troubling to Daniel’s family and friends, especially as they saw outgrown wheelchairs, some in excellent condition, sitting unused. Daniel’s family believed strongly the teaching
