A Life-Changing Pediatric Wheelchair

Ana Maria and her husband Jesus left Mexico three decades ago with their daughter Maria de los Angeles, settling in Savannah. While Jesus found work in construction, Ana Maria has continued to care for Maria de los Angeles, who has cerebral palsy and has faced many challenges, including not having access to the type of medical equipment needed. Recently, with the support of Catholic Charities of South Georgia, a pediatric wheelchair was obtained for Maria de los Angeles, bringing much-needed relief to the family. Case manager Leidi Rivas spoke with Ana Maria to share how this access has an immediate positive impact on their family. 

1. How did you feel when you first learned that your child would be receiving a new pediatric wheelchair through CCSOGA?

I was so excited! Seeing my little girl dragging her little feet broke my heart but knowing that she would soon have her new wheelchair filled me with joy. Finally, my little girl will be much more comfortable and happier.

2. Can you describe the process of preparing to pick up the new wheelchair? What has the anticipation been like for you?

I agreed with my husband to take the afternoon off and come together to pick up the chair. He came with me to help me receive this blessing.

3. What are your hopes and expectations for how the new wheelchair will benefit your child's mobility and overall well-being?

My little girl's life is going to change completely. Now I will be able to take her anywhere without her having to drag her little feet. Just seeing her sitting comfortably in her new chair fills me with immense joy. It is such a relief to know that she will finally be so much more comfortable and happier.

4. Could you share any specific challenges your child has faced due to their current wheelchair, and how you anticipate the new one will address these challenges?

The previous chair was in very bad shape and was already too small for my little girl. Watching her suffer while sitting in that chair was very painful, we often avoided taking her out so as not to see her uncomfortable. With this new chair, my little girl will feel much more comfortable and I will be able to take her to the store, the doctor, or just out for a walk around town much more easily. It's such a relief to know that now we can do all those things together without her suffering.
When we were at home, we used an office chair that had been given to us to move our daughter. And when we had to take her to the doctor, we used her old wheelchair, which was already in very bad shape. It was hard to see her in that situation, but at that time we had no choice.

5. Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience leading up to picking up the new wheelchair and the impact you anticipate it will have on your child's life?

Our day-to-day life is going to change radically, both for our daughter and for us, her parents, who are already at an advanced stage of life and sometimes feel exhausted. Despite this, we know that we must dedicate time and care to our child.
With the new wheelchair, our little one will be more comfortable and happier. The peace of mind I feel when I can take her anywhere with me is indescribable. The truth is that I suffered a lot seeing her uncomfortable in the previous chair, aware of her discomfort. But now, we are all overjoyed.
I want to express my deep gratitude to CCSOGA for this incredible help and benefit for my daughter. May God bless you for this tremendous change you have brought to our lives.