Lives changed for the better
Valentin
Valentin is 36 years old and uses a wheelchair because of a car accident that occurred in December 2021. When our colleagues from the Motivation team in Prahova met him, he was using a very heavy wheelchair that was too big for him. Following the wheelchair assessment, Valentin received mobility equipment suitable for his needs, which helps him to be more independent. He has the support of his brother, and his daughter is his main motivation to stay active. Before the accident, they were riding their bikes together in the woods near the house. His future plans include going back to these activities and finding a job.
Valentin received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our partners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Ionuț
Ionuț is 20 years old and le lives in Bistrița-Năsăud county. He has been using a wheelchair since 2019 due to a car accident. This year, he visited us for two active rehabilitation programs, aiming to become as independent as possible. Now, he is able to maneuver the wheelchair more easily, do the wheelie and go down the ramp using a safe and correct techniques. These maneuvers help him especially when he has to propel the wheelchair on bumpy trains. Ionut needed an appropriate wheelchair for his new abilities. Because he is tall, he tried a few pieces of equipment until we found the one that suited him best – active and meeting his needs.
Ionuț received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Iulian
Iulian is 21 years old and he sustained a spinal cord injury in 2022, after falling from a height. He had no idea about what an appropriate wheelchair means, but he knew he needed mobility equipment to move around. This is why he is very grateful for being assessed by the Motivation team in Prahova and for receiving a wheelchair which meets his needs and fits his size. Before this, he had no wheelchair and no chance to break isolation. He can now leave the bed and his room and go out, for some fresh air and small talks to his family and friends. Also, he can go to rehabilitation, which is one of his plans. Iulian still needs to learn more about living with a spinal cord injury and preventing medical complications. Our team supports him and encourages him to be active.
Iulian received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our partners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Luca-Timotei
Luca is 7 years old and he is a happy and energetic child. His parents found out about Motivation when they were in a medical rehabilitation center and saw another child using a wheelchair provided by our team. Our colleagues from the Motivation team from Cluj conducted a wheelchair assessment and recommended an active wheelchair for the boy, which would meet his needs. When Luca tested the mobility equipment, all the other children in the yard, brothers and cousins, were curious to try it too. During the training visit, our colleague received requests from the other children to receive wheelchairs, because for them it seemed fun to handle one, even if they did not need any. Another proof that, through the eyes of a child, there is something good to be found in any situation.
Luca-Timotei received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Patrick
Patrick is 4 years old and has had his mobility affected since birth. Our colleagues from the Motivation team from Ilfov conducted a wheelchair assessment and then recommended and donated appropriate mobility equipment. Patrick goes to kindergarten and has a 3-year-old sister. With the lightweight and active wheelchair he received, it will be easier for Patrick to play and participate in activities with his friends and colleagues. In addition, it will be easier for him and his mother to reach out to therapies that help him improve his health and that include swimming, physical therapy, sensory integration therapy, occupational therapy and more.
Patrick received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Matei
Matei is 7 years old. He and his mother ran away from the war in Ukraine and, when they came to Romania, were hosted by a high school in Tulcea. That’s where our colleagues from the Motivation team from Constanța met him, after they had found out about the boy’s need for a wheelchair. The two hoped to return home as soon as possible, but until then, Matei needed appropriate mobility equipment. Our colleagues donated a seating positioning system, according to the boy’s needs. While our colleagues made adjustments and fitted the wheelchair, Matei smiled and chuckled with delight, so we were happy to bring some light and reasons to smile in his and his mother’s story.
Matei received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our partners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Igor
Igor is 9 years old. He and his mother came to Romania from Ukraine, to run away from the war. Because Igor was born with spina bifida, a diagnosis that affects his mobility, he needed a wheelchair. Our colleagues from the Motivation team from Sibiu donated appropriate mobility equipment, according to his needs and dimensions. Now, it became easier for Igor to explore, to play, to get to the places he needs.
The meeting with one of our colleagues, an independent life trainer, was the beginning of the progress in wheelchair handling, for Igor: the first time when he successfully overcame a threshold. In the future, we hope that Igor would join us for the active rehabilitation camp for children, where he will have the opportunity to meet other children and learn more about independent living.
Igor received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Alexandru
Alexandru is 4 years old and lives with his family in Iași. He has cerebral palsy and therefore needs a wheelchair to get around. We found out about this from our partners at a special high school for children with disabilities in Iasi. There, Alex participates in therapeutic, rehabilitation and educational activities, and the staff used to strive to improvise adaptations to help him maintain his balance and sit upright, adding pillows all around. Despite their best efforts, they could not solve the problem. Alex’s parents also struggled – for example, they used a portable bassinet (travel baby bed), to make it easier for them to carry their son. Our colleagues from the Motivation team from Iași conducted a wheelchair assessment and, as a result, they donated a positioning wheelchair, which provides postural support and meets the little one’s needs. Both the parents and the teachers are very happy and say that everything is easier now for Alex and for them, both at home and at school.
Alexandru received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our partners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Iulian
Iulian is 41 years old and has been using a wheelchair since 2019, as a result of an accident due to falling from a height. He learned about the Motivation team on the Internet and got in touch with us to find out more about the implications of spinal cord injuries and how to manage them. He was using a borrowed wheelchair, which he was going to return when when we offered him an orthopedic wheelchair. Then, as he learned more about wheelchair handling and became more active, he needed an active wheelchair. Being a tall person, he needed a wheelchair that was appropriate for him, to provide postural support. Our colleagues from the Motivation team from Galați made an assessment and offered as a donation an active wheelchair, suitable for Iulian. The wheelchair helps him to be more active and to follow his passion for woodworking, together with his brother.
Iulian received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Vasi
Vasi is 12 years old and, as a result of medical complications, he has his mobility affected in his arms, legs and trunk. He arrived in our country with his mother, out of the need to run away from the war in Ukraine. He goes to a rehabilitation center in Brașov, so as not to interrupt his usual program. Our colleagues found that the wheelchair he was using was not appropriate for Vasi’s needs, so they conducted an assessment and donated appropriate mobility equipment to meet the boy’s needs. We hope to meet Vasi again for other activities planned for this year, given that the family will stay in the country for a while.
Vasi received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Maria
Maria is 5 years old. She, her mother and brother are refugees from Ukraine and they came in Romania in order to run away from the war. Our team from Neamț met the family, following a request for a wheelchair made by their host, on Facebook. Our colleagues conducted a wheelchair assessment and offered an appropriate wheelchair for Maria. In addition, our colleague helped with the translation of medical information, when the little girl became ill and needed consultation, and guided Maria’s mother to find a day care center, where she could participate in various activities. Maria, her mother and her brother are in a difficult situation, but they are grateful to be able to handle it together, united, with the help of the family that hosts the three and with the support of other families of refugees, with whom they keep in touch. It was difficult for Maria to travel such a long time without a wheelchair, as well as to go to the doctor for consultations, but now, with the wheelchair she has received, her mother can take her for a walk more easily and can spend more time with the other refugee families and their children. We are glad to be among the lucky ones who received a smile from Maria.
Maria received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our partners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Gabriel
Gabriel is 28 years old and most of the time he uses crutches to get around, because of the diagnosis of polio. He lives in Constanța with his girlfriend and he is a fitness trainer at a local gym.
He is not only passionate about sports, but also practices it at the performance level – he is a national bodybuilding and fitness champion and world runner-up. During the competitions he uses the active wheelchair, received from the Motivation team in Constanța. Gabriel is guided by discipline and his passion for sports and he believes that any barrier can be overcome.
Gabriel received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Andrei Vlad
Andrei will soon be 3 years old. He has to use a wheelchair because of a diagnosis he received at birth. He has an older sister, aged 8, and he gets all her attention. Because he had no wheelchair, Andrei had to ask his parents for help for each small task in order to keep up participating in activities along with other children. His family met another little wheelchair user at a rehabilitation center and this is how they got in touch with the Motivation team in Cluj. Our colleagues donated an appropriate and lightweight wheelchair for the boy. Now, Andrei is happy that he can join other children at the sandpit and he can use all his energy to play and to move around independently.
Andrei received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Ștefan
Ștefan is 11 years old and the wheelchair he received from the Motivation team in Neamț is the first one he ever uses. He has had his mobility affected since birth, but, before they reached our team, their parents used to carry the boy. However, the thing got complicated while the boy grew up. Moreover, the lack of appropriate equipment was limiting the access of Ștefan to serveral other activities. In order to play, do homework, move from one room to another, go eating, access transportation, in order to do anything, he had to ask their parents for help. Now, the lightweight wheelchair received as a donation makes everything easier for Ștefan and his family. It is easier to go to school, to make friends and to relate to others. Even to pick up his favourite colors to paint or the lego in order to build another creative project.
Ștefan received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Otilia
Otilia is 15 years old and she lives in Galați County, together with her parents and her younger sister. Due to a diagnosis he received at birth, she underwent 14 surgeries and needs a wheelchair to move around. Because she grew up and her old mobility equipment was no longer good for her, our colleagues from the Motivation team in Galați have recently replaced Otilia’s wheelchair with another one, which meets her needs. Otilia is in the seventh grade and, in a pandemic context, she attends online courses. The school she attends is inclusive and very attentive to her needs, so Otilia enjoys participating in activities with her teachers and colleagues. Her hobbies include painting, reading and editing photos. Even though accessibility remains an issue, Otilia relies on her mother for support whenever needed.
Otilia received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Alexandru
Alexandru is 14 years old and he lives in Buzău County with his parents and his younger sister. Because of a diagnosis he received at birth, he needs constant support from his family for daily activities and a wheelchair to move around. When our colleagues from the Motivation team in Buzău met him, he had no mobility equipment. His parents used to carry him and on long distances he was travelling by car. Our colleagues recommended an appropriate wheelchair which meets his needs. It was provided as a donation. With it, Alexandru’s life, as well as his family’s got better. Now, Alex can participate in more activities, he can spend more time with his sister and to go out more often. His 5 years old sister is very enthusiastic about the wheelchair and she pushes Alex around the house. Their parents work to make their home more accessible and wheelchair friendly, so that their son would have more freedom of movement.
Alexandru received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our partners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Andrei
Andrei is 15 years old and he lives in Maramures County, with his parents and three brothers. He was diagnosed at birth with spastic tetraparesis, which affects his mobility and coordination in his legs, upper body and hands. This is why he needs his wheelchair to provide postural support in order to move around and also the support of his family in order to handle the mobility equipment. Because of the fact that his wheelchair became too small for his needs, our colleagues from the Satu Mare team replaced it with an appropriate one, which fits Andrei and has the necessary adaptations. He is a happy and energetic child, who likes to be in the spotlight. He studies from home and his wheelchair helps him for all the activities.
Andrei received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our partners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Sofia-Maria
Sofia is 3 years old and she uses a wheelchair because of a diagnosis received at birth: spinal amyotrophy. She lives in Suceava County with her parents, who take good care of her and always support their daughter. They found out about Motivation from a rehabilitation center and they asked us to provide a wheelchair which meets Sofia’s needs. They tried to get one through the insurance system, but they received a wheelchair which was too large and difficult to handle. Our colleagues from the Motivation team in Neamț conducted an assessment and provided an active Panthera wheelchair, as a donation for Sofia, who can now move around easily. She is a happy child, who enjoys dancing, singing, drawing and playing with other kids. With her new wheelchair, it will be much easier for her to do all these things.
Sofia received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Granny Veta
Granny Veta is 90 years old and she faces many difficulties now because she fell this year. The pain and the challenges related to mobility made her spend most of her time at home, in bed. She could not get used to this situation and with the thought that she would have to stay away from her garden, her courtyard and her neighbors. The solution came from her granddaughter who knew about Motivation and got in touch with our team in Brașov. She told our colleagues about Granny Veta. Our colleagues from the Motivation team in Brașov recommended and donated a wheelchair which provides stability and is also easy to handle. This helps Granny Veta to move around without so much pain. She has the permanent support of her daughter and with the wheelchair she now has, she can go back to her daily activities which include talking to her neighbors and enjoying the fresh air.
Granny Veta received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Gheorghe
Gheorghe is 47 years old and he lives in Prahova County. He sustained a spinal cord injury in 2012, while he was working on the roof of a house. His life has fully changed because of this, but he moved on, with the support of his wife. When our colleagues visited him, he had an inappropriate wheelchair. It was large and heavy and it was not safe to use it. Our colleagues from the Motivation team in Prahova prescribed an active wheelchair, which meets his needs. It is now easier for Mr. Voicea to handle the mobility equipment, he has a better posture and it feels safe to move around, taking into consideration that he lives in a hilly area, which is not fully accessible. Also, it is easier for him and his wife to transport the wheelchair itself when they have to travel to the doctor or to go shopping.
Gheorghe received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our partners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Dumitru
Mr. Dumitru needs a wheelchair because of some medical complications which occurred in 2019. After they conducted an assessment and concluded that his abilities improved, our colleagues from the Motivation team in Galați prescribed an active wheelchair to replace the old one, which became more difficult to be handled. The active wheelchair that Mr. Dumitru received is active and lightweight and is very useful when it comes to going out, for shopping or medical visits, and also for other activities. In addition, it can easily be transported in the car, which is very important for Mr. Dumitru, who drives an adapted car, as well as for his wife, who provides support. This summer, he participated in a mobility caravan and in an active rehabilitation camp, where he learned and practised wheelchair handling techniques, as he is very motivated to become independent.
Mr. Dumitru received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and athletes who joined #TeamMotivation for the 2021 edition of the Galați Half Marathon, event organized by the Community Foundation in Galați.
Sara
Sara is 4 years old and she needs a wheelchair because of a medical diagnosis she has had since birth – concenital myopathy. Because of this, her muscles are weakened, some body functions are affected and her mobility is limited when it comes to her arms, trunk and legs. She and her family got in touch with the Motivation team in Cluj, after they found out about us from another mother, who was at a rehabilitation center with her child. Our colleagues conducted a wheelchair assessment and prescribed a lightweight and active wheelchair, which helps Sara maintain a correct position. She can handle the wheelchair herself and play with her sister, who is 2 years older than her. Moreover, Sara has big plans for the next year – to go to the kindergarten and the wheelchair will help her for sure. Before receiving the wheelchairs, she was using a stroller, which could not ensure her a correct position and this is why she risked postural deformities and other medical complications.
Sara received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Sofia
Sofia will be 7 years old in December and she already thinks of the new things she will learn and the new friends she will make. She is a very determined little girl and she proves this through her activity at the rehabilitation center, where she works hard to improve her condition. She was diagnosed at birth with amyotrophy at birth. Recently, our colleagues from the Motivation team in Ilfov changed her wheelchair with another one, which is bigger and better for her needs. Sofia grew and she needed an appropriate wheelchair. Still, it was very difficult for her to give up on her old mobility equipment, despite the fact that it became too small for her. She was already used to handle it and she perceived it as an extension of her own body, so she need to accommodate with the new wheelchair she received as a donation. For Sofia, her new wheelchair, which is lightweight and active, will be a great partner to go to rehabilitation, to go out with her parents or to go to school and participate in different activities with her colleagues.
Sofia received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Daniel
Daniel has been using a wheelchair for less than one year, since October 2020. He has a 13 years old daughter and is a determined and motivated person. He is friendly, has a great sense of humour and likes to have his friends around. He is a handy man – good at everything and passionate about Mediterranean food – not only of tasting it, but also of cooking it. Seafood is among his favourites.
During the active rehabiliation camp, held by Motivation in august at Văratec, Neamț County, he received an active wheelchair, appropriate for his needs, and he learned how to handle it, in order to be more independent. He practised wheelie and overcoming obstacles, under the guidance of our independent living trainers. He also had the change to try new things at the camp – such as wheelchair archery.
Daniel received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Adriana
Adriana has been using a wheelchair since she was 27 years old, because of a medical condition. She is diagnosed with spastic paraparesis and, since she met our Motivation team in Constanta, her life has changed for the better. They advised her on how to handle the wheelchair and how to transfer in the car or other surfaces, in a safely manner. She became more active and this is why our colleagues donated a lightweight, active wheelchair for her. Being motivated by our team, she got her driving license and she enjoys more freedom now. Even though the lack of accessibility is an issue for her, she is not discouraged. She is optimistic and determined. Her family supports her and her 7 years old son is the one who keeps her moving. She does everything thinking of him and willing to offer him a beautiful life. She is passionate about gardening and she likes flowers very much.
Adriana received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Maria
Maria received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Galina and Mihai
Galina and Mihai received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Francesca
Francesca is 22 years old and her legs were amputated when she was 14, because of some medical complications. She lives in a rural area from Dâmbovița County and she got in touch with our colleagues from the Motivation team in Prahova a few years ago, thanks to the local social worker. Few months ago, we replaced the wheelchair she had, which was damaged, with a new one, which is appropriate for her needs. Francesca leads an active life and to have appropriate mobility equipment is crucial for her. She enjoys travelling and she says that, thanks to her wheelchair, she often forgets that her legs are amputated. She comes from a large family – has five brothers and four sisters and she enjoys going out with them and participating in camps. Also, she likes listening to the music. She graduated high school and post high school studies and she said she never felt marginalized by her colleagues, whom she describes as being ”wonderful people”.
Francesca received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our partners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Ianis
Ianis received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and athletes who joined #TeamMotivation for the 2021 edition of the Galați Half Marathon, event organized by the Community Foundation in Galați.
Irinel
Irinel is 40 years old and he lives in Dâmbovița County. He is married and works in a supermarket. He has been using a wheelchair since 2002, because of a medical condition. Irinel found out about Motivation in 2017 from one of our volunteers and participants in active rehabilitation programs. He joined us for some adapted sports events and in 2018, motivated to become more independent, he got his driving licence. His wheelchair damaged over the years, so he got in touch with our colleagues at the Motivation team in Prahova, who prescribed and donated an appropriate lightweight wheelchair. Irinel is always on the move, he is a very active person and needed a wheelchair to keep up with him. He enjoys spending his time with his wife, going for walks and enjoying nature. The lack of accessibility is still one of the main barriers he has to overcome, but even so, Irinel stays active and he uses his abilities to keep spinning the wheels of change every day.
Irinel received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Miruna
Miruna is 4 years old and she lives in Galați County with her parents. She is very sweet and delicate and she likes drawing. When she was only 10 months old she was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. The news was shocking for her parents, as Miruna is their first born child. However, they are determined to support her to improve her condition and lead a fulfilling life. They got in touch with our Motivation team in Galati, in order to find out more about appropriate mobility equipment for Miruna. After they had conducted an assessment, our colleagues donated a lightweight wheelchair that Miruna can handle on her own and also a tricycle appropriate for the girl’s needs. She is really excited and curious to find out more about everything inside and outside the house. Before using the wheelchair, she could only access the immediate areas and she needed more the support of her mother. Now, she has more freedom to explore. By using the mobility equipment donated by Motivation, Miruna gains more strength and functionality in her upper body.
Miruna received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Sebastian
Sebastian is 40 years old and he was diagnosed with paraplegia when he was 13 years old. Back then, all of a sudden, when he wanted to stand, he just realized he was not able to do that anymore. He’s recently gotten in touch with the Motivation team, when the wheelchair he was using damaged. Even before this, the mobility equipment he was using, which was borrowed from an acquaintance, wasn’t appropriate for his needs – it was too large. This had a negative impact not only on his posture, but also on his access to different spaces – he had to keep folding the wheelchair every time he got into a room. His wife was the one who provided him with the support he needed. With the mobility equipment he received from the Motivation team in Prahova, Sebastian can now move around independently and can go into stores, building and other spaces. He can be more active, and his level of independence is higher. Sebastian likes traveling and has two boys who bring him happiness and accomplishment.
Sebastian received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our partners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Erika
Erika is 2 years old and she has her mobility affected since birth because of spinal amyotrophy. Her parents encourage her to be in shape and they were looking for an appropriate wheelchair that Erika could handle on her own. This is why they got in touch with the Motivation team in Ilfov County, who donated an active wheelchair, appropriate for Erika’s size and needs. It didn’t take too long for Erika to start maneuvering the wheelchair – as soon as she tried it, she started to move around and explore. She discovered freedom of movement and this made her very happy and enthusiastic. Sometimes she can hardly find enough patience to wait for her mother to help her put her medical corset on, before she can transfer in the wheelchair. Her sister and brother love her and they are as happy as she is because she can move around and they can all play together more.
Erika received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Eufrosina
Ms. Eufrosina is 88 years old and she started to use a wheelchair in order to move around three years ago. She lives in a house, so one of her favourite activities is to spend time outdoors, enjoying the fresh air. Because of the fact that her mobility equipment damaged, her family, she could no longer move around, not even inside her house and this was very difficult for her and for her family. This iw why her family got in touch with the Motivation team in Prahova. Our colleagues conducted a wheelchair assessment and they donated an appropriate wheelchair. The mobility equipment helps Ms. Eufrosina maintain a correct posture and makes her feel safe. On short distances, she can even handle the wheelchair by herself. With her mobility equipment, Ms. Eufrosina can enjoy the first sunny days of this year and she can get in her courtyard and enjoy nature more.
Ms. Eufrosina received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Anca
Anca is 30 years old and she was diagnosed at birth with spastic tetraparesis. This affects her mobility, her balance and her coordination in her legs, arms and upper body. She lives in Cluj-Napoca with her parents and they provide her the support she needs every day. One thing that Anca truly enjoys is going to the mountains with her parents. Most of the time this came to be really difficult, because she had no appropriate wheelchair. The rough terrain, combined with her medical condition and the tendency to slip from the wheelchair made it difficult for her and her family to plan a trip. Our colleagues from the Motivation team in Cluj conducted a wheelchair assessment and prescribed a World Made type wheelchair, which is stable and appropriate on rough terrain. In order to accommodate Anca’s position, increased spasticity and to prevent her from slipping out from the wheelchair, our team equipped the wheelchair with a harness and a belt. The adjustments worked for the girl who can now enjoy the magnificent mountain landscapes during winter.
Anca received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our partners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Antonia
Antonia is 6 years old and she has had a mobility disability since birth. Our colleagues from the Motivation team in Prahova found that the wheelchair she had was not appropriate for her – it was too small and created many areas of pressure, which increased the risk of pressure sores. So, they prescribed her the right mobility equipment for her needs – an active and light wheelchair. which the girl can handle independently.
Once she received an appropriate mobility equipment, Antonia regained her safety and freedom of movement. The wheelchair is her partner in all the activities of the day – when she plays, when she goes for a walk, when she draws or watches cartoons, as well as when she goes to rehabilitation centers.
Antonia received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Florin
Florin is 28 years old and we met him when he was just a teenager, in 2011. Florin has a mobility disability since birth, because of poliomyelitis, and he has to use a wheelchair in order to move around. Over the past years, he participated in different activities organized by Motivation, including independent living trainings and adapted sports events. We provided him support to move on with his studies and confidence to discover and use his abilities. He enjoys playing wheelchair basketball, drawing portraits and spending time with his girlfriend. As he is a very energetic and active person, Florin needs a wheelchair which can keep up with him and can help him overcome architectural barriers. This is why our colleagues from the Motivation team in Prahova recommended a World Made wheelchair when Florin’s old mobility equipment damaged. The new mobility equipment ensures Florin a correct seating position and gives him freedom of movement.
Florin received a wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our partners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Narcisa
We’ve known Narcisa since she was 5 years old. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth and this is why she needs a wheelchair to move around. Her mother provides her all the support she needs and also motivates her daughter to lead an active life. Together they participated over time in various Motivation activities – trainings on independent living, active rehabilitation camps, adapted sports events, and both of them understand the importance of an appropriate wheelchair. Narcisa has grown up, she is already 16 years old and she needs a light mobility equipment, to help her stay active and allow her to have a correct seating position. The solution was an active wheelchair, which was donated by colleagues from the Motivation team from Prahova. The wheelchair fits her perfectly and is easy to handle. Narcisa is optimistic and cheerful; she enjoys listening to music and watching cooking shows. With an appropriate wheelchair, she has the premises of inclusion and an independent life.
Narcisa received the wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Ionica
Ionica is 9 years old and needs a wheelchair because of a diagnosis she has had since birth. She lives with her parents and two brothers in the most remote village in a commune in Vrancea County. We found out about the little girl from the community assistant from the village hall, who also helped us to conduct a wheelchair assessment. After that, we donated to the girl a mobility equipment which meets her needs, is active and helps her to move around, to play, to gain her independence.
Before receiving the wheelchair from the Motivation team from Buzău, Ionica was crawling on her knees through the house, but in the yard, where it is gravel, it was very difficult for her. Now, on the paved streets of the village, Ionica already manages to maneuver the wheelchair independently and does not let the adults help her at all – she says that the wheelchair is her car. 🙂
Ionica received the wheelchairs through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
David
David is 20 years old and in 2019 he had an accident due to electric shock and falling from a height. Thus he got a spinal cord injury and become a wheelchair user. He has the support of his family, which helped him overcome medical complications and difficult times. Our colleagues met him shortly after the accident and offered him support – information to help him set his expectations about living with a mobility disability and advice on how to overcome obstacles in order to return to an active lifestyle. Because for a while he was not allowed to get out of bed, according to the doctors’ recommendations, David had become impatient to at least sit again, if walking was not expected soon after the accident. For the first weeks when he began to sit up and regain his balance, our colleagues provided him a stable, orthopedic, wheelchair that would provide him with safety. When his skills improved and he became more active, they donated him an active wheelchair, which now helps him move easily, gives him confidence, mobility and extra independence.
David received the wheelchairs through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Emanoil
Emanoil is 45 years old and he lives in a rural area from Buzau County. His both legs were amputated as a result of a train accident, which took place more than 20 years ago. We found out from the village priest that he doesn’t have a wheelchair. Despite this, during the wheelchair assessment visit, he was working to mix concrete in order to pave his yard. He considers that there is always some work to do and you are always busy taking care of the household and the animals, if you live in the countryside. Without a wheelchair, it was very difficult for him to go shopping, to go to town. He used to travel around the village with a cultivator, which he was using also to work in the fields. The wheelchair received as a donation from our colleagues from the Motivation team in Buzau helps him to take care of the household activities and, at the same time, allows him to go shopping, in the city, to the doctor, whenever he needs it. His home is not completely accessible for a wheelchair user, but either alone or with the help of his son, he manages to take the wheelchair out of the house, over the high thresholds, and make the transfer easily. He has the support of his wife and son and he stays active and involved in the household activities.
Emanoil received a wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Valerica
Valerica is 39 years old and she has her mobility affected since the age of 14, because of muscular dystrophy. As time passed, she had to start using a wheelchair to move around. The Motivation team in Galați got in touch with her when her husband asked them for support. They concluded that the wheelchair she had was too large and damaged. So comes that they donated an appropriate mobility equipment, that she can now use easier and safely. She is no longer afraid or ashamed to go out. Her husband is an active person, who also uses a wheelchair donated by Motivation and he guides her to overcome all the barriers she meets – steps, rough terrain etc. Even though sometimes they have to ask other people for small favors, for Valerica and Giani everything is easier when they are together. Valerica considers herself lucky to have met her husband and she considers that her disability also played a role in all this. process. They met on a social network, then Giani went all the way to Salaj County to meet Valy. Not long after that, they got married and started a family in Galați.
Valerica received a wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Daniel
Daniel is 26 years old an he started using a wheelchair in 2012, because of a medical condition. He lives with his parents in a rural area from Timiș County. They offer him support, especially when it comes to overcome the barriers caused by the lack of accessibility. Daniel met Motivation in 2013, when he was at rehabilitation and needed an appropriate wheelchair. The one he was using was too large for him and it did not provide the postural support he needed; its use was increasing the risk of medical complications. After we donated him a wheelchair, we stayed in touch and Daniel participated in our active rehabilitation programs. Meanwhile, the wheelchair broke, due to prolonged use, especially on rough terrain. This is why our team in Timis has recently donated him an appropriate mobility equipment for the area he lives in and which meets his needs. The wheelchairs ensures a correct position and it helps prevent pressure sores – medical complications that Daniel had to deal with in the past.
Daniel received a wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our partners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Daria
Daria is 11 years old. She lives with her parents in a rural area from Dâmbovița County. Since birth, she has been diagnosed with spastic tetraparesis, which affects her mobility and coordination both in her legs and arms. After years of using the same wheelchair, Daria was ashamed to go out of the house because of the way her mobility equipment looked – it became too small and damaged. The family had to cover it in blankets in order to feel safer and to hide its broken parts. Sometimes, her mother even chose to carry Daria, rather than to know the girl had to use the damaged wheelchair. It was very difficult, both for the girl and the family. That is why they were all very happy when Daria received a new wheelchair donated by our team in Prahova County. The mobility equipment helps her move around and feel safer.
Daria received a wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our partners from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Ștefan
Ștefan is 33 years old and he has been using a wheelchair since 2016. Our colleagues from the Motivation team in Neamț County got in touch with him and invited him to several activities organized by Motivation, such as the caravan for health assessment and pressure sores prevention, organized in Suceava County, and the active rehabilitation camp, hosted at Văratec, Neamț County. This month, he received a Panthera wheelchair as a donation – which is appropriate for his abilities and active lifestyle. Stefan had previously received another wheelchair from us, in 2018, but, as the time passed, his needs and dimensions changed, so our team recommended a replacement. The first happy experience where his new wheelchair led him was his own wedding ceremony, which took place short after the wheelchair was delivered. Stefan is passionate about cars and tattoos and our colleagues motivated him to lead an active life and to follow his dreams, including to start a family.
Ștefan received a wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Ștefan
Stefan is 12 years old and was born with spastic tetraparesis. He has grown a lot during the last 2 years, since we have met him, and his wheelchair became too small for his needs. It also damaged over the years. This it why, his position was no longer correct and this could lead to postural deformities, moving around in the wheelchair had also become difficult and his spasticity (involuntary muscle contractions) increased, as well as the risk of injury. Under these circumstances, our Motivation team from Prahova conducted a reassessment to identify Ștefan’s needs. Followint this, they donated an appropriate wheelchair for him. For the boy and his family, the mobility equipment received is very helpful and allows him not only to go out for a walk, as he enjoys this, but also to practise rehabilitation exercises in a safe manner. Stefan is an energetic young man and the wheelchair he has allows him to enjoy freedom of movement and age-specific activities – he can play, enjoy outdoor activities and share with friends the latest news online.
Ștefan received a wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Calușa
Ms. Calușa is 82 years old and she hasn’t been able to leave her house for three years now, because she has a mobility disability, caused by a stroke. She lives with his daughter and son-in-law in a rural area of Tulcea County. Her daughter contacted us on Facebook and asked us to help her with a wheelchair. Our colleagues from the Motivation team in Constanța conducted a remote wheelchair assessment and donated a mobility equipment to Ms. Calușa. After delivery, based on the photos, we corrected Mrs. Calușa’s seating position to prevent medical complications and make sure she feels comfortable.
With an appropriate wheelchair and the support of her family, she can now leave the house, spend time in nature, in the air, and enjoy the company of neighbors, the garden and the household where she worked so hard before having these health problems. We were very happy to see her having lunch with her family, in the wheelchair she received, waving optimistic, while we had a video call with her family. It may seem like a small thing from the outside, but after 3 years in bed and even eating there, for Mrs. Calușa it is a major and beneficial change. Ms. Calușa received a wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Florin
Florin is 25 years old and he started using a wheelchair one year ago, after a motorcycle accident. Being passionate with sports and optimistic, Florin works hard to be as active and independent as possible. He received a wheelchair from Motivation and he participated in an active rehabilitation program, which lasted for two weeks. During this program, he found out more about living with a spinal cord injury, about dealing with this new situation and accessing his rights. Since then, Florin has made great progress: he had his car adapted and now drives, his self confidence increased in terms of wheelchair handling and he plans to go back to practising sports. His wheelchair should keep up with Florin and this is why our colleagues replaced the equipment with a Panthera lightweight wheelchair. It is easier for Florin to handle it and to put it in the car.
Florin received a wheelchair through the Wheelchair Fund, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Ruben
Ruben’s mother wrote us an e-mail in June, inspired by the story of another friend of Motivation – Alex. She told us that her son, aged 2 years and a half, needed a wheelchair. She described Ruben as “an active, lively child, with an impressive ambition”, who makes his parent very happy. Despite all these, it became difficult for his parents to provide support for their son, without an appropriate wheelchair. Their son no longer wanted to spend time in his bed or at his table; instead, he was eager to move around. Also, he grew and his mother was no longer able to carry him, especially because she was going to give birth again in September. So comes that our team in Iasi met Ruben, prescribed and donated a Panthera Micro active wheelchair for him. This brought joy to Ruben, as well as to his parents and little sister. Ruben is no longer sad that he cannot do things on his own. Instead, he enjoys his small victories every day.
Even though he is very young, Ruben is really good at wheelchair handling. He moves around inside the house, goes from one room to another, he can leave the house and go on the street and he handles the wheelchair by himself on his way to his grandparents, while his neighbors watch him with admiration. For Ruben, his wheelchair brought freedom and joy! Ruben received her wheelchair within the Wheelchair Fund Program, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Andrei
Andrei is 9 years old and, with the support of the Motivation team from Galați, he received a Panthera wheelchair as a donation, to replace his old mobility equipment, which had become too small and inappropriate for his needs. Andrei’s mother says that in the absence of an adequate wheelchair, her son would not have been able to go to school, enjoy relaxing activities or explore his abilities. She describes their experience as follows: In our life experience, the wheelchair has meant and still means what creating aricrafts has meant in history for those who wanted to fly, what building ships has has meant for those who wanted to explore seas and oceans: the broadening of the meanings of life, reaching the human potential and opening up to the unknown promise of our ideals.
Andrei received her wheelchair within the Wheelchair Fund Program, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Antonia
Antonia is less than 2 years old and she is still discovering the world, at this age. With her Panthera Micro wheelchair, received from our colleagues from the Motivation team in Ilfov, it will be easier for her to explore, to grow up nice and to become independent. For her, this wheelchair seems a new toy, for now; a toy she does not get bored of, because it helps her to learn something new each day.
Her parents encourage her to move around and to develop her abilities. They found out about Motivation from a rehabilitation center and from other parents. Understanding the importance of an appropriate wheelchair for Antonia’s size and needs, they got in touch with our team. A lightweight wheelchair is good for them too, when they have to help Antonia to overcome obstacles such as steep ramps and stairs.
Antonia received her wheelchair within the Wheelchair Fund Program, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Alex Nicholas
Alex is one of Motivation’s youngest friends. He is 2 and a half years old and since March he has been using an appropriate wheelchair which increases his mobility. Our colleagues from the Bucharest-Ilfov team donated a Panthera Micro wheelchair, after they had conducted an assessment and had established the boy’s size and needs. Alex is full of energy and the wheelchair he has allows him to play more, explore and try new activities. He goes out with his mother to the park and plays, does puzzles, even dares to help his mother to clean the house, even he considers this to be some sort of a game. He enjoys so much the freedom of movement he has that he moves around in his wheelchair even while learning to count, with his mother’s support.
Alex received his wheelchair within the Wheelchair Fund Program, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together! Find our more about Alex here.
Darius
Darius is 7 years old and he lives in Bistrița Năsăud. He has recently became part of the group of active wheelchair users, who enjoy more freedom of movement, by using independently their mobility equipment. This was possible because he received an appropriate wheelchair – an active Panthera, which he can handle by himself, in order to play, move around and explore.
Darius was born with a condition that affects his spine and this is why he cannot walk. Before getting in touch with our colleagues at Motivation Cluj, he had no wheelchair at all. He was using a stroller. His mother and sister used to help him reach different places, they used to pull his wheelchair and he was totally depending on them for each movement. Everything changed for him once he got the wheelchair donated by Motivation, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the Wheelchair Fund, in order to #changelives for the better, together!
Irinuca
Irina was 1 year and 3 months old in December 2019, when our colleagues from the Motivation team in Prahova donated her a Panthera Micro – an appropriate wheelchair for her needs Irinuca’s parents are very grateful for the wheelchair and for the freedom of movement it gives to their daughter. Now, Irinuca is able to move around on her own, to play and to explore.
Her older brother is her guide in this journey – he encourages her and teaches her to handle the wheelchair. So comes that Irinuca cannot wait to go and play outdoors, in her courtyard and on the street, in the summer. Irina’s wheelchair will be replaced once she grows up and her needs change.
Irina received her wheelchair within the Wheelchair Fund Program, with the support of our friends from Agape Foundation in Sweden, of our donors and the companies which support the initiative, in order to #changelives for the better, together! Find our more about her story, here.
The Wheelchair Fund is possible with the support of our partners at Motivation: international and local organizations, companies, individual donors, fundraisers. Find out how to join us in order to spin the wheels of change together on our website, here.
