Another event is announced and the applications come pouring in. Many free wheelchairs have been given out but many more are needed. These events are full of emotion and moving stories and today was no exception. Juan Manuel arrived with his mother, father and sister after a 5 and a half hour bus ride from a remote area on the Caribbean coast. They are living in conditions that prohibit them from being able to purchase a wheelchair that would drastically change the whole family's life. Juan Manuel was ecstatic as soon as he saw the tires that are used in the wheelchair design. He couldn't stop pointing, smiling and laughing!

He recognized the tires as they resemble those in an old magazine clipping of a mountain bike he has taped on the wall of the room he shares with his brother and sister. There isn't a day that goes by that Juan Manuel dreams about riding that bike. He reassures us that some day he will walk again and realize his dream of riding that bicycle! We saw the fight in his eyes and we don't doubt him one bit. Juan Manuel's father contacted us through a family member (they have no telephone) and mentioned that the wheelchair is perfect for the 5 miles of gravel road they walk every Sunday to go to church. He emphasized that pushing Juan Manuel is much easier that carrying him. Pretty amazing, huh?