Mobility Clinics
In 2016, Faith In Practice piloted a wheelchair clinic program in partnership with Free Wheelchair Mission. Through this program, our volunteer medical clinic teams and surgical teams have assembled and distributed wheelchairs to more than 1,000 Guatemalan patients in need of mobility aids.
The wheelchairs and mobility aids that our patients receive are truly life-changing for them and for their caregivers. Oftentimes, patients have spent years relying completely on their family members to carry them around and support them with all of their daily needs. Patients tend to have a number of health issues that result from not having proper mobility aids or treatment for their injuries or conditions.
The wheelchairs our patients receive allows them to better navigate their surroundings and live with more independence. They are able to live with the dignity they deserve and to have longer, healthier lives.
May 2021
During our mobility clinic in May, we were blessed to meet Manuel and his wife, Evelyn. Seven years into their marriage, Manuel, then in his late twenties, was in a terrible accident and almost died. After spending several months in the hospital and regaining some movement, he was discharged without a wheelchair.
In order to move around, Manuel had to rely on help from Evelyn and a broken, ill-fitting wheelchair. After seven long years, Manuel finally received his very first wheelchair! We are blessed to have been part of their story and to share in their gratitude and joy!
April 2021
Two mobility clinics were held in April through our partnership with Health Talents and Hope Haven. Patients like Celeste, Kimberly, and Dona Maria received life-changing wheelchairs.
March 2021
In March, a mobility clinic was held in San José Pinula for patients to receive wheelchairs and mobility aids. Patients, like Antonia and Ofilia who are 91 years old and unable to travel to the clinic, received their wheelchairs at home.
February 2021
Two mobility clinics were held in February—one at Xela Aid and one in Suchitepéquez in partnership with Health Talents. At these clinics, we provided wheelchairs and other mobility aids like walkers and canes to nearly 150 patients.
Valentin fell from a tree 3 years ago and broke his spine. Valentin received a wheelchair and our technicians, Blanca and Mynor, spent time with him explaining how to avoid pressure ulcers.
January 2021
At the end of January, we held our first mobility clinic of 2021 in Jalpatagua, Jutiapa. In total, we provided 89 wheelchairs from our partner, Free Wheelchair Mission. Four pediatric chairs, received through our partnership with Hope Haven, helped these patients and their families better manage their conditions and have more mobility.
Our team was joined by Sylvia and Mynor, wheelchair technicians from Hope Haven, which employs people with disabilities and specializes in pediatric wheelchairs.
Arelyn is 8 years old and has advanced cerebral palsy.
Cesar Antonio is 7 years old and has hydrocephalus.
Emma Lucia is 3 years and she experienced neonatal asphyxia and has cerebral palsy.
October-December 2020
At the end of October, we held three days of mobility clinics in San José Pinula, one of several new locations for our clinics. In November and December, mobility clinics were held in the towns of Palencia and Patzicía.
Juan has transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder that causes inflammation of the spinal cord. His condition has impaired his muscle strength and ability to move. He is re-learning how to walk and does not yet have the necessary strength to get around on his own, but his new wheelchair will help him have more mobility.
Emma has colon cancer and recently had a colostomy surgery. Her condition has made her very weak and she is only able to take a few steps by herself. Samuel, our physical therapist, fit her with a mobility aid and taught her exercises to help improve her strength.
June-September 2020
With the spread of COVID-19, our mission teams were no longer able to travel to Guatemala, but we were still able to hold mobility clinics. Since the beginning of the pandemic we increased these clinics to bi-monthly, expanding services throughout the country.
The mobility clinics, conducted with local partners and municipalities, include medical checks, distribution of medicines through our pharmacy, fittings of wheelchairs, walkers and canes, physical therapy consults, as well as referrals for specialty wheelchairs and surgery.
Our mobility clinics provide not only wheelchairs, canes, walkers, and training, they also provide medical checks, a pathway toward healing for those who may need surgery instead of a wheelchair, after all.
