Wh e e l c h a i r Fo u n d a t i o n Changing theWorld

Vo lu m e 2, 2 0 0 2

Wheelchairs Delivered Since June 2000 The Wheelchair Af g h a n i s t a n...... 9 0 Korea, Dem. Al b a n i a...... 5 0 Peoples Rep...... 2 4 0 Ko s o v o...... 2 4 0 Mission to Southern Al g e r i a...... 1 4 0 A n g o l a...... 2 4 0 K y r g y s t a n...... 2 4 0 Le b a n o n...... 7 4 0 Ar m e n i a...... 6 7 1 Kenneth E. Behring and the Wheelchair B a h a m a s...... 1 2 0 M a c e d o n i a...... 2 4 0 Be l a r u s...... 2 4 0 Me x i c o...... 2 7 6 2 Foundation team embarked on a 21-day B o l i v i a...... 2 4 0 M o l d o v a...... 2 4 0 mission of mercy and exploration to the Bosnia & Mo n g o l i a...... 3 9 0 c o u n t ries of Southern A f rica in Au g u s t H e r z e g o v i n a...... 7 1 0 Mo n t e n e g r o...... 1 2 0 of 2001. Bo t s w a n a...... 5 0 Mo z a m b i q u e...... 1 3 0 Br a z i l...... 6 1 5 N e p a l...... 2 0 6 Bu r u n d i...... 2 4 0 Ni c a r a g u a...... 2 0 0 L i v e rm o re, California – August 1ST Ca m e r o o n...... 2 4 0 Ni g e r...... 2 4 0 The trip departed from Liverm ore Air- Cape Ve r d e...... 1 7 5 Ni g e r i a...... 5 4 0 port in the San Francisco East Bay on Au- Central African P a k i s t a n...... 4 1 5 gust 1ST with Nancy Rivard, Executive Re p u b l i c...... 2 4 0 Pa l e s t i n i a n s / I s r a e l. . . . .1 6 1 0 Ch a d...... 2 4 0 P a n a m a...... 7 8 0 Director of Airline Ambassadors, her hus- Ch i n a / Ti b e t...... 1 4 8 0 Pe r u...... 2 5 band David, several volunteers, and Rod- Co l o m b i a...... 3 6 0 Po l a n d...... 1 1 ney Henderson representing LDS Chari- Nelson Mandela with Ken and Patricia Behring in Co n g o...... 2 4 0 Ro m a n i a...... 2 8 2 ties joining the Wheelchair Foundation . Costa Rica...... 2 4 0 Ru s s i a...... 9 8 5 Cu b a...... 2 4 0 R w a n d a...... 2 4 0 team. The first stop was Washington, DC to pick The next stop was Florence, Italy to pick up a Czech Republic...... 1 2 0 S e n e g a l...... 2 4 0 up Dr. Randy Smoak, past President of the Amer- member of the Wheelchair Foundation’s Inter- Dominican ...... 2 4 0 ican Medical Association, his wife Saundra, and national Board of Advisors, Stefano Ricci and a Re p u b l i c...... 2 7 4 0 S o m a l i a...... 8 8 Dr. Christine Warnke a valued advisor and Wash- group of Italian cyclists that would be partici- Ec u a d o r...... 5 5 4 South Africa...... 4 8 0 ington, DC liaison between the Wheelchair Foun- pating in an awareness building “Bicycle Chal- El Salvador ...... 4 3 0 Su d a n...... 2 0 0 Equatorial ...... 2 4 0 Tai w a n...... 7 5 6 dation and numerous foreign dignitaries. lenge” in Southern Africa. Mr. Ricci has been a Et h i o p i a...... 2 4 0 Taj i k s t a n...... 2 4 0 (continued on page 3) Ga b o n...... 2 4 0 T h a i l a n d...... 2 5 0 G u a t e m a l a...... 6 2 4 Tu r k e y...... 2 4 0 Ha i t i...... 2 9 0 Tu r k m e n i s t a n...... 2 4 0 Ho n d u r a s...... 6 5 Uk r a i n e...... 3 3 6 Global Impact! Hu n g a r y...... 1 2 0 United States...... 3 1 0 0 In d i a...... 2 7 5 Uz b e k i s t a n...... 2 4 0 h roughout America, and many I n d o n e s i a...... 4 8 0 Ve n e z u e l a...... 1 2 5 parts of the world, one of the first Is r a e l...... 3 0 0 T Vi e t n a m...... 1 3 2 3 symbols a traveler sees when entering I t a l y...... 1 8 Western Sahara...... 1 5 3 J a m a i c a...... 1 8 0 Western ...... 1 6 0 a city or town is the Rotary wheel. Proudly Jo r d a n...... 2 4 0 Za m b i a...... 1 2 0 displayed in royal blue and gold, this emblem represents 1.2 K a z a k h s t a n...... 2 4 0 Zi m b a b w e...... 7 4 0 million members that are dedicated to “doing good in the Total Countries ...... 80 world.” Rotary International consists of some 30,000 Ro- Wheelchairs Delivered...... 34 , 4 0 4 t a ry Clubs in 530 Rotary Districts, and 163 countries worldwide. In our busy lives, we don’t always take note of what we see so often, yet since 1905 Rotary has been a p a rt of America, and the vehicle by which the lives of HO PE bi l l i o n s have been changed around the world. MO B I L I TY In 2005, the 100TH anniversary of Rotary International, Ro t a ry Wheelchair delivery in polio will have been eradicated from the face of the earth. FR E E D O M Ho n d u r a s . (continued on page 8)

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Table of Contents The Wheelchair Foundation Mission to Southern Africa ...... 1 Global Impact – Rotary International ...... 1 International Board of Advisors ...... 4 Our Mission ...... 5 The Overwhelming Need for Wheelchairs ...... 5 Profile – Kenneth E. Behring ...... 6 A Stronger Reslove to Help the Less Fortunate ...... 6 “Changing the World” interview: Jerry Lewis ...... 9 Newslines ...... 11~19 Central America ...... 11 China Enabled ...... 11 Photo Gallery ...... 12~13 Helping People in Lebanon ...... 14 The Children of Nepal Love Ronald McDonald ...... 15 A Wheelchair Story ~ Sierra Leone ...... 15 Angola ~ The Most Diasbled ...... 16 A Neighbor in Need ~ Mexico ...... 17 The Wheelchair Foundation ~ Florida ...... 18 Wheelchairs for Peace – Sister Cities International ...... 19 Organizations – Affiliate Organizations that Receive and Distribute Wheelchairs ...... 21 Frequently Asked Questions ...... 22 Wheelchair Foundation Gallery at the Blackhawk Museum ...... 22 Planned Giving ...... 23

Changing the Wor l d , the Wheelchair Foundation newsletter. Volume 2, 2002. Written and edited by Chris Lewis, Director of Development for the Wheelchair Foundation. Contributing writer, Anika Olen for Mercy Ships – New Steps, Sierra Leone. Copyright 2001 Wheelchair Foundation. For questions or comments please write to: Chris Lewis, Editor, Post Office Box 2973, Danville, California 94506 USA, or [email protected]. To make a , please call toll free (877) 378-3839 or via the Internet at: WWW.WHEELCHAIRFOUNDATION.ORG Page 2 •WH E E L C H A I R F O U N DAT I O N . O R G• Af r i c a (continued from page 1) staunch supporter of the Foundation since its inception, and is responsible for bringing the Foundation’s eff o rts in Africa to the attention of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who agreed to serve as a member of the our International Board of Advisors.

Fl o rence, Italy – August 3RD The team departed Florence for Alexandria, Egypt and a meeting between Ken Behring and President and Mrs. Hosni Mubarak. The President and Mrs. Mubarak were very supportive of the Foundation’s efforts in Africa, and Mrs. Mubarak agreed to Chair an international organization of First Ladies that would support and promote the efforts of the Wheelchair Foundation worldwide.

Cape Town, South Africa – August 6TH As a part of an awareness building campaign for the Wheelchair Founda- tion and its mission to bring wheelchairs to Africa, a group of 5 dedicated bicyclists from Florence and Milan, Italy participated in “The Wheelchair Ken and Patricia Behring with Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Foundation Bicycle Challenge.” Folco Camici, Marisa Guglielmetti, Giancarlo Fianchisti, Pietro Pecchioli and Sandro Falli set out on a 1,500 Maputo, Mozambique – August 7TH km trek from Cape Town, South Africa on August 6TH and arrived in The team traveled to Maputo, Mozambique for a wheelchair distribution Windhoek, Namibia in 11 days. The cyclists brought along several in conjunction with the Foundation for Community Development. At wheelchairs in their chase vehicle to deliver to needy people along the a rural ceremony welcoming the Wheelchair Foundation were off i- way. The journey was documented by Emmy award winning cine- cials from the FCD and the local government. Disabled people arrived matographer Gordon Brown for a television program about the Foun- to receive new wheelchairs by several modes of transportation. Some by dation’s efforts in Africa. car, some were carried, some by wheelbarrow, and several crawled the distance from their homes, which was up to 5 miles away. Jo h a n n e s b u rg, South Africa – August 6TH Following the welcoming ceremony, everybody went outside to seat In the late morning of August 6TH Ken Behring, his wife Patricia and the the recipients in their new wheelchairs. After several minutes of giving Wheelchair Foundation team visited the home of Nelson Mandela and out the wheelchairs, Saundra Smoak, one of the Wheelchair Foundation his wife Graca Machel (The former First Lady of volunteers, went back inside the building and no- Mozambique) in Santon, South Africa. Both Mr. ticed a young woman in the back of the room slow- Mandela and his wife are members of the Wheel- ly crawling out the back door. Saundra quickly no- chair Foundation’s International Board of Advisors tified one of our English-speaking hosts, and the and were deeply touched by the distribution of woman was brought to where the wheelchairs were wheelchairs to the disabled children that had trav- being given out. She had thought that there were not eled to their home from the surrounding area. The enough wheelchairs, so she had begun her 5-mile Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund strives to better crawl back to her home. Another wheelchair was the lives of children throughout Africa, and is a quickly brought out for her, and her life of crawling willing partner in the mission of the Wheelchair on the ground became a thing of the past. Saundra Foundation. Mr. and Mrs. Mandela talked with all and the team were very emotionally touched by of the children, shook hands and embraced them as this woman that had begun her day with a 5-mile they received a new lease on life. crawl driven by hope, then resolved herself once At the press conference immediately following the again to immobility, and then had her life changed distribution, Mr. Behring was asked why he brought instantly in a positive way. Mr. Behring commented, wheelchairs to South Africa. Mr. Behring replied, “If we give these people hope for mobility then we “We want to give people the ability to go to school, mu s t come through for them. If we don’t, it is worse get a job, and become a part of society. But most im- than them not having mobility in the first place.” portantly we want to give them hope for the fu- This was yet another example to the team of how we ture.” Mr. Mandela said, “I am very happy that Mr. Teenager in Zimbabwe that are dedicating our lives to helping others, are Behring has been so generous in bringing us these constantly reminded of our gifts. wheelchairs.” Then looking at Ken he stated, “It is one thing to ask for help, but when someone comes to you on their own and gives you Mudzi, Zimbabwe - August 8TH something without asking for anything in return, this is a sign of true Patrick Mavros has been a great friend to the Wheelchair Foundation in friendship for the people of South Africa.” (continued on page7)

Page 3 • THE WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATI O N• Wheelchair Foundation International Board of Advisors

Members of the International Board of Advisors of the Wheelchair Foundation are individuals committed to pro v i d i n g wheelchairs to children, teens and adults around the world who cannot affo rd one. The Advisors bring their expertise to bear in providing valuable counsel and support to the Foundation, in the accomplishment of its goals and fulfillment of its mission.

KIN G JUA N CAR L O SA N D QUE E N SOF I AO F SPAI N –Co - C h a i rm e n PATC H ADA M S MRS . AND R E E LAH O U D DON SHU L A Fo u n d e r, Gesundheit Institute First Lady of Lebanon NFL Coach/Entrep re n e u r MAR I A FER N A N D A FLO R E SD E ALE M A N JER RY LEW I S LAWR E N C E SMA L L First Lady of Nicaragua En t e rt a i n e r / H u m a n i t a r i a n Se c re t a ry, Smithsonian Institute ROB E RT M. BER D A H L GRA C A MAC H E L RAN D O L P H D. SMO A K JR., MD Ch a n c e l l o r, University of California Fo rmer First Lady of Mozambique/ President, American Medical at Berkeley Mrs. Nelson Mandela Association (2000–2001) RUT H COR R E A LEI T E CAR D O S O , PH .D. CATH E R I N E STE V E N S NEL S O N MAN D E L A First Lady of Fo rmer President of South Africa Alaska & Washington, DC FRA N K J. DEV LY N VIV I A N E WAD E WAYN E NEW T O N President, Rotary International En t e rt a i n e r, L a s Ve g a s , N V First Lady of (2 0 0 0 - 2 0 0 1 ) ABB A S I. YOU S E F MAR I A ISA B E L BAQ U E R I Z OD E NOB O A JOE L EHR E N K R A N Z First Lady of Ecuador ASI Agricultural Services & Eh renkranz & Ehrenkranz, New Yor k Investments LTD . SAM U E L NUJ O M A PRO F E S S O R SIR HAR RY FAN G , MD President of Namibia Ch a i rman, Council for Physically & H o n o r a ry Mem b er s Mentally Disabled, Hong Kong DEA N ORN I S H , MD JOE BAC A President & Direc t o r, Preventive Medicine U.S. Representative, D-Californi a MARY FLA K ED E FLO R E S Re s e a rch Institute. UCSF First Lady of Honduras Ma xC l e l a n d JAC K PAL L A D I N O U.S. Senator, D-Georgi a LOU R D E S ROD R I G U E ZD E FLO R E S Palladino & Sutherland, San Francisco First Lady of El Salvador ANN A G. ESH O O ARN O L D PAL M E R U.S. Representative, D-Californi a WHI T E Y FOR D Professional Golfer/Business Executive Baseball Hall of Fame DIA N N E FEI N S T E I N EVE LY ND E PORT I L L O U.S. Senator, D-California MART H A SAH A G U N FOX First Lady of Guatemala First Lady of Mexico WIL L I A M H. FRI S T DEN G PUFA N G U.S. Senator, R-Ten n e s s e e PRE S I D E N T VAL E RY GIS C A R DD ’E STA I N G Ch a i rman, China Disabled Persons’ Fo rmer President of Fe d e r a t i o n BEN J A M I N A. GIL M A N U.S. Representative, R-New Yor k PRE S I D E N T MIK H A I L GOR B A C H E V GEN E R A L JOS E P H W. R AL S T O N Fo rmer President of the USSR United States Air Force DAN I E L K. INO U Y E U.S. Senator, D-Hawaii BER N A D I N E HEA LY , MD PRE S I D E N T FID E L RAM O S Fo rmer President & CEO, The American Fo rm e rP resident of the Philippines KEN LAN C A S T E R Red Cros s State Representative, R-Alaska CATH E R I N E B. REY N O L D S LUC Y WON G -H ER N A N D E Z American Academy of Achievement/CEO JAM E S R. LAN G E V I N Executive Direc t o r, Disabled Peoples’ of Educap Inc. U.S. Representative, D-Rhode Island In t e rn a t i o n a l STE V E LAR G E N T STE FA N O RIC C I KEN N E T H HOF M A N N Clothing Designer U.S. Representative, R-Oklahoma Oakland Athletics Baseball Tea m NAN C Y PEL O S I NAN C Y RIVA R D TIM HON E Y Executive Direc t o r, Airline Ambassadors U.S. Representative, D-Californi a Executive Direc t o r, Sister Cities Interna t i o n a l TED STE V E N S CHR I S T O P H E R J. ROS A , PH .D. JAC K KEM P Di re c t o r, Services for Students with U.S. Senator, R-Alaska Fo rmer U.S. Representative & Secret a ry of Disabilities – Queens College, Flushing, NY ELL E N TAU S C H E R Housing and Urban Development U.S. Representative, D-Californi a YOS H I A K I SAK U R A I RIC H A R D D. KIN G Ch a i rman, Kosaido, Japan TOM TOR L A K S O N President, Rotary International State Senator, D-California (2 0 0 1 - 2 0 0 2 )

Page 4 •WH E E L C H A I R F O U N DAT I O N . O R G• Our Mission The Overwhelming Need for Wheelchairs The Wheelchair Foundation is a nonprofit org a n i z a t i o n leading an international effo rt to deliver a wheelchair to • People require the use of a wheelchair for many reasons: acci- ev e ry man, woman and child in the world who needs one. dents, birth defects, war injuries, debilitating diseases and ad- For thoses individuals, the Wheelchair Foundation offe r s vanced age. hope, freedom, self-reliance and mobility. • The leading cause of disabilities worldwide can be attributed to Mobility: landmines, particularly in developing nations. Every year, 26,000 people are injured or killed by landmines around the The Most Basic Human Right world. Some 100 million of the world’s citizens today are deprived of mobility because of warfa re, disease, disaster or advanced • An estimated 100-130 million disabled people worldwide need age. The wheelchairs they need simply to get across the wheelchairs, though less than 1 percent own or have access to s t reet — or across the room — are out of reach. The one. The number of disabled is likely underestimated, due to Wheelchair Foundation believes that these people deserve the inability to account for “forgotten” citizens who have been the independence and dignity that comes with owning a hidden away by their families. wh e e l c h a i r, reg a rdless of their nationality. •Experts predict that the number of people who need wheel- chairs will increase by 22 percent over the next 10 years, with The Goal: One Million Wheelchairs the greatest need existing in developing countries. in Five Years • In developing countries, only a small percentage of those who Over the next five years, the Wheelchair Foundation aims need wheelchairs have them, forcing dependence upon family to distribute one million wheelchairs to people who cannot and friends to get around. For others, the only way to get aff o rd to buy one. The Foundation already has delivered around is to crawl. thousands of wheelchairs worldwide. Allied with numerou s in t e rnational relief organizations, the Wheelchair Foundation • Despite tremendous eff orts of relief organizations, their ef- has set its goals as high as its commitment. forts are still not sufficient to meet the overwhelming need. Cur- rently, there are three basic wheelchair options — sadly, none $15 Million from the of which is adequate for a country’s poorest disabled citizens: Kenneth E. Behring Foundation: • Wheelchairs manufactured in the West: The most basic of Only the Beginning these costs about $375, not including shipping charg es. The Wheelchair Foundation was established in 2000 with This sum is out of reach for many impoverished people. In a grant by the Kenneth E. Behring Foundation. In rec e n t Vietnam, for example, a disabled person may earn about years, Mr. Behring has shifted his focus from business to $30 a month – if she or he is able to work. p h i l a n t h ro p y, and his foundation has committed to • Refurbished wheelchairs: There are several organizations contribute $15 million over the next five years to endow that refurbish and distribute wheelchairs to those in need. the Wheelchair Foundation effo rt . Unfortunately, their efforts cannot hope to meet the over- The Wheelchair Foundation whelming need. Quite often these chairs may be inadequate hopes to raise $150 million for rough conditions and terrain. in the next five years from corporations, other foundations • Wheelchairs manufactured in country: Some developing and individuals to support its countries have domestic wheelchair manufacturing opera- worldwide effo rt to provide hope, tions. But the wheelchairs still must be sold to disabled cit- freedom, mobility and new izens and may be too expensive for the destitute. independence to those in need. The wheelchairs provided by the Wheelchair Foundation are selected to withstand the rugged conditions of developing countries. They cost $150 each and are offered free to those most in need.

Page 5 • THE WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATI O N• Pro f i l e

Kenneth E. Behring During his years of travel around the world, Ken Fo u n d e r has made it his personal mission to help those in need. His of food, medical supplies, cloth- The establishment of the Wheelchair Founda- ing, toys and educational materials have helped tion marks the most recent chapter in Kenneth people in some of the most impoverished nations on E. Behring’s philanthropic efforts to improve earth. His first-hand involvement has given him a the lives of disadvantaged people around the realistic picture of how much help is needed world- world. wide. From his successful career as an automobile In 1999 Ken donated shipments of wheelchairs to dealer in Wisconsin, Ken entered the world of relief organizations in Eastern Europe and Africa. real estate development in the 1960’s. Over the His personal contact with the recipients gave him a course of the next 35 years, his companies cre- greater understanding of how much hope and hap- ated numerous planned communities in Flori- piness can be given to a person who receives a da and California, including the world- wheelchair. In the following months, he has traveled renowned Blackhawk development near San the world delivering wheelchairs to Italy, Roma- Francisco. nia, Botswana, Vietnam, Guatemala and the Crow After purchasing the Seattle Seahawks foot- Indian Nation in Montana. In June of 2000, Ken team in 1988, Ken established the Seattle committed $15 million to his newly created Wheel- Seahawks Charitable Foundation, which ben- Ken Behring with 6-year-old Luisa chair Foundation. efited numerous children’s charities. The Sea- Pe rez in Mexico. Since June of 2000, Ken has traveled the world hawks Foundation was the most substantial benefactor for the West- delivering thousands of wheelchairs to the disabled citizens of 5 con- ern Washington Muscular Dystrophy Association. tinents. The relationships he has developed with world leaders and Ken Behring founded the Blackhawk Museum, The U.C. Berke- government officials have led to a greater awareness of the needs of the ley Museum of Art, Science and Culture and the Behring-Hofmann Ed- disabled, and are a great force in moving forward the mission of the ucational Institute in Blackhawk, California, to benefit the San Fran- Wheelchair Foundation. cisco East Bay region. In 1997 he pledged $20 million to the Smith- Ken and Patricia, his wife of 52 years, reside in Blackhawk, Cali- sonian Museum of Natural History and in 2000 he pledged an addi- fornia. They have five sons and ten grandchildren. tional $80 million to rebuild the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. For only the fourth time in the Smithsonian’s 170- “When I see the happiness on the faces of the people who get year history, the prestigious James Smithson Aw ard was bestowed a wheelchair, I feel that this is the best thing I have ever on Behring in recognition of his generosity and vision. The Black- done in my life.” — Kenneth E. Behring hawk Museum is now an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

A STRONGER RESOLVE TO HELP THE LESS FORTUNATE

As good people around the world deal with sorrow and anger over the September 11TH terrorist attacks, the Wheelchair Foundation and its global network of dedicated relief partners, intensify efforts to help the disabled worldwide.

For those of us that dedicate our lives to helping the less fortunate people of the world, the unthinkable human sorrow that has been inflicted upon the families of victims from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks is beyond our comprehension. In conversations over the past months with relief organizations in various stages of our wheelchair deliveries, we are very pleased to announce that in spite of the hatred and fighting around the world, our missions of mercy will not be altered. Our partners worldwide have told us of their unwavering support for our efforts. Organizations working with us in the Americas, Africa, Asia, , Europe, and the Middle East are committed to intensifying their efforts to spread the message of peace and helping others around the world.

We are saddened by the recent dark days in human history, but our mission will not be altered as we continue on a path to bring light and hope into the lives of the disabled members of our world community.

Page 6 •WH E E L C H A I R F O U N DAT I O N . O R G• Af r i c a (continued from page 3) the constant struggle just to stay alive, or to crawl on the ground from Zimbabwe. His dedicated efforts and considerable contributions have one place to another, those 40 years become quite a different story. allowed the distribution of 480 wheelchairs into some of the most remote areas of Zimbabwe. Windhoek, Namibia – August 14TH The 3-hour bus ride from Harare to Mudzi took the Wheelchair President Sam Nujoma welcomed the Wheelchair Foundation team in the Foundation team through a country that possesses almost a surre al capital of Namibia, for the distribution of 180 wheelchairs to disabled q u a l i t y. Monolithic granite stones pro t ruding from the earth, sur- citizens identified by the Namibian Ministry of Health. This distribution rounded by oxen and baboon in the shade of baobab trees make the of wheelchairs was the first of its kind in the country’s history. mind travel to places previously unknown. Dirt roads are pathways Namibia is a country that has only been an independent nation since that traverse the flat landscape, and take people from distant place to 1990. The average life expectancy of its 1.8 million people is 40 years distant place. Today, these roads also have people crawling along them old. There is not enough water to support adequate irrigation, and or being carried, as the team noticed when approaching the village of droughts are very common. The ability to support basic standards of Mudzi. living for healthy people is difficult, and the ability to provide for the Patrick had delivered wheelchairs to Mudzi in December of 2000, and disabled is often an impossibility. The Wheelchair Foundation and the the word spread quickly among the friends and families of government of Namibia are committed to working together to bring disabled people. Before that date, one wheelchair was shared among all hope and mobility into the lives of disabled Namibians. the disabled people of the community, in one-week intervals. Now there were another 70 wheelchairs to be distributed, and the people that received a wheelchair 9 months earlier could thank Ken Behring per- Windhoek, Namibia – August 17TH sonally for their gift of a new life. This also gave our team the The Italian cyclists completed their 1500 km “Bicycle Challenge” and opportunity to evaluate firsthand, the performance and longevity of arrived safely, but tired, in the capital of Namibia. the wheelchairs in very harsh conditions. All parties concerned were very The Wheelchair Foundation team bid a fond farewell to Southern pleased with the results. Africa and departed for Florence, Washington, DC, and finally arriving One of the wheelchair recipients that day was a schoolteacher. in Livermore, California on August 21ST. A neighbor carried this young woman 20 miles from her village to C o n c l u s i o n receive a wheelchair. When asked why he did it, he replied, “ She asked During the “Wheelchair Foundation Mission to Southern Africa” in me to.” The woman was very happy that she would no longer have to the first 21 days of August 2001, there was an enormous amount of crawl to school every morning, and she could spend extra time teach- awareness generated by the 24 team members and participants. ing with less time spent going to and from school. This type of story was heard dozens of times over in the course of the day. F a c t s : There are 76,000,000 residents of South Africa, Mozambique, As the team departed Mudzi later that day for the 3-hour bus ride Zimbabwe and Namibia. We are told that an average of 5% of the back to the airport, the dirt road that once possessed a mystical charm, was population of these countries are immobile and without the ability to now lined for miles with grateful people in wheelchairs waving and purchase a wheelchair. Those 3,800,000 people are the reason that this singing in thanks, for making it a path much easier to travel. mission took place. The Objective: To seek out partners in our fight against immobility, and Jo h a n n e s b u rg, South Africa – August 10TH -1 3 TH One of the most valued friendships of the Wheelchair Foundation in to create awareness of our goal to deliver a wheelchair to every person South Africa is with the chain of 700 Spar grocery stores. Under the guid- that needs one. ance of principles Michael and Fidos Englezakis, Spar has helped in the Action taken: Meetings with heads of state, rallying support among local distribution of wheelchairs through their network of stores in several and regional governments, establishing distribution re l a t i o n s h i p s , countries. Using supply trucks that frequent grocery store locations thanking our friends and supporters, learning how to do our job better, throughout Southern Africa, wheelchairs are included in the shipments a 1500 km “Bicycle Challenge” through 12 cities and 2 countries, and and distributed to disabled residents in close proximity to the stores. changing as many lives as possible along the way by distributing 700 Over the course of three days the Wheelchair Foundation team par- wheelchairs. ticipated in wheelchair distributions at Spar and Kwikspar stores in Johannesburg, the surrounding area, and Sun City. The Results: Heads of state have committed their assistance, awareness During one of the deliveries, a 40-year old woman who had been dis- was raised for the needs of the disabled, support was rallied at all levels abled by polio received her first wheelchair ever. The look of of governments, sponsors and distribution partners were recognized disbelief on her face soon changed into happiness, as she was able to pro- publicly and thanked, and hope, mobility and freedom were delivered pel herself easily for the first time in her life. One of the physical ther- to 700 people and their families. apists attending the distribution commented, “She is not a young It is the hope of the Wheelchair Foundation that we can create woman here in South Africa, and I am happy to see that her dream momentum on a global scale that will move our mission forward, and has finally come true.” It is beyond the comprehension of most deliver a tangible, long lasting source of salvation into the lives of people in America to consider a 40-year old as “Not a young woman.” But disabled children, teens and adults throughout Africa, and around the when you consider a lack of health care for the poor in South Africa, and world. ■

Page 7 • THE WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATI O N• Ro t a ry (continued from page 1) mission of the Wheelchair Foundation to the The gift of a wheelchair to an immobile Think about that for a moment. A disease leaders of Rotary Districts, Clubs and Task person is a life changing experience. The that in 1952 permanently disabled over Forces around the world. President Devlyn ability to witness a life being changed forev- 58,000 Americans, and in recent decades has recognized the potential to help the tens of er is also an incredible gift. Rotary Clubs in disabled hundreds of thousands of people thousands of people worldwide that the Po- the United States are working with Rotary worldwide, will no longer exist. In 1985 Ro- lioPlus campaign was too late to protect, and Clubs in the country receiving the wheel- tary International launched one of the most the other victims of disease, war, natural dis- chairs to bring the mission full circle. Rotar- ambitious humanitarian undertakings ever aster or advanced age. By March of 2001, a ians are traveling from the US to the country by a private entity. Rotary’s PolioPlus cam- Rotarian volunteer, Dr. Jon Grant, had helped of destination and actively participating in paign is responsible for the delivery of over 2 to coordinate the Rotarian sponsorship of the distribution of wheelchairs. The stories billion oral polio vaccines worldwide. The sixteen 240-wheelchair containers to 13 that return to the club at home are described mobilization of hundreds of thousands of Ro- countries. as “incredible” or “once in a lifetime experi- tarian volunteers, and their contribution of In July of 2001, Richard King, Rotary In- ence.” “The ability to lift a disabled person $373 million has made this possible. By the ternational President (2001-2002), invited into a wheelchair for the first time, and wit- time of the anticipated certification of a polio- Wheelchair Foundation founder, Kenneth ness the happiness of their prayers being an- free world in 2005, the Rotarian’s financial E. Behring, to New Orleans, Louisiana. Dur- swered, is like nothing you could ever imag- commitment will have reached $500 million. ing a presentation by Mr. Behring to the Ro- ine,” says Dr. Jon Grant after a Wheelchair And this is only one of the many relief pro- tary International Board of Directors, Pre si- Foundation mission to Panama. Dr. Grant jects that Rotary sponsors annually. dent King proposed a worldwide “Strategic continued, “These people can now go to Throughout Rotary’s history, collaborating Alliance” with the Wheelchair Foundation. work, school or worship services, and con- with civic and humanitarian organizations, Mr. Behring stated that the Wheelchair Foun- tribute to the well being of the family.” government agencies, and international en- dation would “match any contribution made When statistics are compiled and esti- tities has allowed Rotarians to lead by exam- by Rotarians” to sponsor Wheelchair Foun- mates are totaled, over 100 million people in ple in their goal to improve the lives of people dation deliveries. This brings the price of a the world are in need of a wheelchair but around the world. Working in concert with 240-wheelchair container from $36,000.00 to cannot afford one. The challenges that we the WHO (World Health Organization), the $18,000.00 delivered, or $75.00 per wheel- face to address the needs of people without CDC, (US Centers for Disease Control) and chair. The Rotary International Board unan- mobility, freedom, or hope are daunting. But UNICEF (the United Nations Childre n ’s imously approved the alliance, and to date it was not all that long ago that the world Fund) Rotary has established relationships Rotarians have helped sponsor over 10,000 cringed and lived in fear of polio. In 2002, that are making the eradication of polio a re- wheelchairs to 20 countries. we look three years into the future, and the ality. It is documented by the United Nations certification of a polio-free world. It is with that countries have actually stopped wars great pride and gratitude that the Wheel- long enough to let the Rotarians in to deliver chair Foundation welcomes the members the polio vaccines! of the world’s oldest service organization, In September of 2000, Frank Devlyn, Ro- to our mission of ending the suffering of t a ry International President (2000-2001), immobility. ■ spearheaded initiatives that would bring the

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster Ro t a ry International Facts the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians and, in particular, to encourage and foster: were concerned with promoting high ethical standards in FIRST: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for their professional lives. One of the world’s most widely printed service; and quoted statements of business ethics is the 4-Way Test , SECOND: High ethical standards in business and professions, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Ta ylor. the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and 1. Is it the TRUTH? the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? serve society; THIRD: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? personal, business, and community life; 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? FOURTH: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service.

Page 8 •WH E E L C H A I R F O U N DAT I O N . O R G• In t e r v i e w “Changing the World” interview: Jerry Lewis

J e rry Lewis was born into the world of show busi- ness on March 16, 1926 in Newark, New Jersey. The son of theatrical entertainers, his debut was at the age of five. The stage was home, and his unequaled comedic energy was soon crafted into pre c i s i o n comedic insanity. In 1946, after several solo years of doing comedic pantomime on stage, the team of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis would forever change the way the world laughed. In ten short years they became the highest paid act in show business, as well as international radio, television, stage, re c o rding and motion picture stars. After their professional split in 1956, Jerry wrote, produced, direc t- ed, and starred in motion pictures and television pro- grams as the top box office star in the world. If only one word could be used to capture the essence of Jerry Lewis, it would be humanitarian. For the past 5 decades he has dedicated his heart and soul to the fight against neuromuscular disease. The Mus- cular Dystrophy Association was formed in 1950, and Jerry has served as National Chairman ever since, in the global effo rt to fund patient care and res e a rch for the victims of 40 neuromuscular diseases. Jerry’s an- nual MDA Labor Day is the most successful fund raising television effo rt in history, and has been a part of the American culture since 1966. 1977 marked the year that the highest honor ever be- stowed upon an entertainer would recognize the tirel e s s e ff o rts Jerry Lewis displayed since 1949, in his fight against Muscular Dystrop h y. “Jerry Lewis is a man for all seasons, all people, all times. His name has, in the CT W: When you first started raising money CT W: The first starring appearance of Mar- hearts of millions, become synonymous with peace, for Muscular Dystrophy patients in 1949, tin & Lewis on the Colgate Comedy Hour love and brotherhood.” With those words, Congres s- how did the general public receive your was in 1950, (when there were only 35 mil- man Les Aspin of Wisconsin concluded his nomination of first efforts? lion televisions in America), and your next Je rry Lewis for the Nobel Peace Prize. 27 appearances on the show ran until 1955. J L : The first perception was, ‘We don’t Labor Day weekend 2001, the Jerry Lewis MDA At the end of several programs you pitched understand.’ They weren’t sure what I was Telethon raised a rec o rd $56.8 million from the glob- MDA to the nation. When did you realize doing in the first year or two, just because al television and Internet audience for the fight against the power of television as a fund raising it had not really been done before. neuromuscular disease. medium? C T W: So it took a couple of years until Jerry Lewis is a member of the Wheelchair Founda- JL : Actually I pitched it at the end of every they really grabbed on to it? tion’s International Board of Advisors, and was in- program. I saw the power in 1951, be- terviewed for “Changing the World” by his son Chris JL : I really started to see responses from cause I could see more people remember- Lewis (Director of Development for the Wheelchair 1950 on, and as there were more televi- ing what I had done in 1950. Foundation). sions in America. (continued on page 10)

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Je rry Lewis (continued from page 9) J L : It was a shock, an absolute shock. I’m still not over it, when anybody mentions it I CT W: And probably because there were lots get gooseflesh. It’s just as high as you can get more televisions being bought every day? as far as an accolade or a bravo from your JL : Yes. Every month we were getting a new fellow man. number of how many televisions and viewers C T W: All of my life, I have witnessed hun- there were in America. dreds, if not thousands, of dystrophic patients CT W: Most people don’t know how involved or their family members thank you for the Dean was in the first 7 years of your efforts to hope that you have given them, to continue help dystrophic patients. How did the two of the fight for a cure to neuromuscular disease. you as the top box office, stage and television As probably one of the world’s authorities, stars in the world, find time to raise money what have you learned about the value of hope for disabled children? to a person with a disease or disability? J L : Dean was doing it for me. He knew it JL : Well, that’s one of the tough ones. I can was my baby, so he went along with anything only look into their eyes, because they look at that I asked him to do. It wasn’t as easy as Je rry Lewis in 2001. me differently than they do most everyone when I was by myself, because I didn’t have to CT W: Probably the most famous telethon mo- else. They look at me like their hero, and I get ask anybody anything. But on the whole he ment was in 1976 when Frank Sinatra reunit- other readings from them. I get very, very was very supportive. He was just a very giv- ed you and Dean on stage for the first time in deep, passionate and emotional readings from ing, good person that did nice things for peo- 20 years. You have said for years that Dean them. Readings of thanks and gratitude for ple without looking for accolades. We made was the bravest man alive to be there. Why keeping them alive, when in fact all I’m doing the time, because it was important. was he so brave, and why did that one live is funding and getting as much money as I CT W: You started the Labor Day Telethon to televised moment cause so many people to do- can for research that will one day stop neu- benefit MDA in 1966 and it is the most suc- nate money right then and there? romuscular disease. But on the whole, hope is probably the strongest tool that they have to cessful annual event in history, yet JL : He was brave because he was coming on sustain their life. Without hope it’s futile. many people don’t know that you were on tele- my turf. I don’t know that I could have done There would be no point of getting up in the vision raising money for MDA every year back it, if the tables were turned. But he knew me morning. And we bring them hope. You know, to the early 1950’s. An example is the staged well enough to know that I wouldn’t embar- our catch line with MDA for years has been fight between you and world heavyweight box- rass him or humiliate him. So when Frank ‘People help MDA, because MDA helps peo- ing champ Rocky Marciano at Gro s s i n g e r s wanted to get it on, I’m sure Dean agreed im- ple.’ And it’s that simple. It gives them hope. Hotel in New York, with Dean as the referee, mediately without a problem. And I thought and all 3 of you wearing t-shirts that said “Help it took tremendous courage, even though he CT W: We place hope very high on the list of Fight Muscular Dystrophy.” It was broadcast on knew in his heart that I wouldn’t do anything what we are trying to give people that are re- television and, in Paramount newsreels around to hurt him. But still when push comes to ceiving our wheelchairs around the world. the country. What kind of change has taken shove, all of your intellectual pre-thoughts place in the effectiveness of television, as a ve- mean nothing. If you get emotionally involved JL : The important thing that you have to re- hicle to ask people to donate to a worthy cause, in a situation, sometimes you don’t do the member is, when you do something for a over your 5 decades of doing it? right thing. But he did the right thing, and it group of people somewhere in the world, an- other group of people that hasn’t re ceived JL : Well, if we used just a voluntary force, was a meaningful moment that brought in a your benefits yet, can look upon that as ‘We’re going door-to-door and working in local com- lot of money. People could see the genuine next.’ And that’s the key. You can’t look at the munities, we could raise maybe $2 million affection between us, and loved to see us to- work you do on Monday, and forget that it in a year. The difference is that with television gether again. Remember they were very upset is going to affect Friday. I can do $50 million. So that’s indicative of that we split up. It was like we took a gift how important that media is. In the early away from them. So the reverse happened on CT W: Since the establishment of the Muscular days, theaters would only throw you a bone, Labor Day, September 6, 1976. Dystrophy Association in 1950 you and MDA in comparison. You could never have as large CT W: In 1977 when you became the only en- have raised $1.8 billion for patient care and an audience, even if you were in every theater tertainer in history to be nominated for the re search. How would you thank the people in the country, as you could with one televi- Nobel Peace Prize, because of your work for that made that number possible, if you could? sion spot. So it became an incredible tool, MDA, how did that make you feel? (continued on page 20) which we are still using.

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Central America partner NGO’s in each country, will allow us to deliver wheelchairs more efficiently and fre- In the first week of October 2001 Ken Behring quently to the countries in greatest need. These and the Wheelchair Foundation team traveled partnerships will also allow for expanded spon- to Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador to de- sorships of wheelchairs by outside organiza- liver wheelchairs and establish stronger part- tions and corporations. nership relations with the governments and n o n - g o v e rnmental organizations (NGO’s ) working together to bring wheelchairs into the region. China Enabled Participating in the wheelchair distributions Fred Gerha rd and a wheelchair recipient in and other humanitarian relief efforts were rep- Deng Pufeng is the son of China’s late leader Be i j i n g . resentatives from LDS Charities, Rotary Inter- Deng Xiaoping. He is paralyzed and lives each national, several of our partner NGO’s and day in a wheelchair. It is possible that the esti- Founder Kenneth E. Behring, and Pre sident Wheelchair Foundation volunteers. mated 60 million disabled Chinese citizens Stephen Beinke were present. The Wheelchair have hope for the future because Deng Pufeng Foundation will initially provide 1,750 wheel- is the very vocal and visible president of the chairs to disabled Chinese citizens. The CDPF China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF). will distribute the wheelchairs to those people People with disabilities face many obsta- that cannot afford to purchase one. The wheel- cles in China. Schools and businesses have chairs will be built in China and the CDPF traditionally not been designed to provide for will identify the recipients, and provide for the basic mobility needs of the disabled. This delivery. leaves many educational and vocational The recent attention that has been given to options physically beyond the reach of many the plight of the disabled in China is welcome citizens in the rural areas. to many that have been waiting years for help. The China Disabled Person’s Federation is On July 28, 1976 a devastating eart h q u a k e working to change the accessibility barr iers struck the city of Tangshan in the NE Hebei that exist in China. Deng Pufeng is seen as the province. 242,000 people lost their lives, and leader that will bring the disabled of China many thousands were left disabled. The sheer into the mainstream of society. This is no easy numbers of injured people completely taxed task when considering the government must the national relief systems, and thousands attend to the needs of 1.3 billion people. remain disabled to this day. On September 7, 2001 a “Memorandum of One of the first missions of the Wheelchair Understanding” was signed in Beijing between Foundation/CDPF cooperation was the deliv- the CDPF and the Wheelchair Foundation. (continued on page 14) Ken Behring with the President and First Lady of Nicaragua.

The delegation met with the President and First Ladies of each country and agreed upon an expanded cooperation in each. The Wheel- chair Foundation and LDS Charities commit- ted to an initial sponsorship of 480 wheel- chairs (2 containers) to each country. The Rotarians left the team in Honduras and delivered 30 wheelchairs and medical sup- plies up into the rural region of Santa Barbara. Mr. Behring extended an invitation for each First Lady to become a member of the Wheel- chair Foundation International Board of Advisors, and they happily agreed. The coop- (L to R) Deng Pufeng, Ken Behring and Steve Beinke signing an agreement between the eration of governments, in harmony with our Wheelchair Foundation and the China Disabled Person’s Federation.

Page 11 • THE WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATI O N• 4-year-old Jirdan Herrera in Honduras. Ken Behring at the Rotary Wheelchair Distribution in Texcoco, Mexico.

Young man working in Botswana. Disabled children in Kazakhstan.

(L to R) Frank and Gloria Rita Delvyn, Mexican First Lady Martha Fox, Ken and Patricia Behring. Page 12 •WH E E L C H A I R F O U N DAT I O N . O R G• Waiting for Wheelchairs in Texcoco. Mexico. (L to R) Mike Deland, Mitzi Perdue, Ken Behring and Alan Reich at the FDR Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Ken Behring with Soledad O’Brien on NBC’s Today Show, October 24, 2001.

A happy youngster in Nigeria.

Rotarians at work in Honduras. Page 13 • THE WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATI O N• Ne w s l i n e s

Ch i n a (continued from page 11) since the civil war of 1975 to 1990. Their en- ery of 500 wheelchairs in late October of tire culture and way of life was disrupted and 2001 to Tangshan. The stories of disabled in danger of changing forever. There are nu- people waiting 25 years for a wheelchair and merous factional influences within the frame- the gratitude they expressed was over- work of the society, and the government is whelming. striving to reach a harmonious balance. In cooperation with Sister Cities Interna- The social services of Lebanon were se- tional, Mayor Willie Brown of San Francisco, verely disrupted during the civil war, but the California attended a wheelchair distribu- g o v e rn m e n t - p rovided services are in the tion in Beijing. His commitment to helping p rocess of being re s t o red. Refugees fro m the disabled at home and abroad, as well as neighboring countries are numerous, and his thanks to Ken Behring and the Wheel- the governmental ministries struggle to meet chair Foundation, demonstrated how lead- their needs. ers of local communities can join forces with The Wheelchair Foundation in conjunc- their counterparts abroad to acknowledge tion with sponsorship from several founda- and support relief efforts around the world. tions and Dr. Joe Zeiter of Stockton, Cali- The Wheelchair Foundation delivere d fornia, delivered 480 wheelchairs to Beirut, the first 1,750 wheelchairs in China through Tripoli and Sidon in June of 2001, with a the CDPF by the end of 2001 to Beijing, coalition of six local non-governmental relief Shanghai, Tangshan, Xian, Chongging, Tian- organizations. First Lady Andree Lahoud jin and Shenzhen, and is committed to rais- participated in wheelchair distributions and ing awareness and funding for a national agreed to become a member of the Wheel- wheelchair relief effort in the coming years. chair Foundation’s International Board of At a time in our lives that so many ques- Advisors, to assist future distributions in the tions surface about who should receive a region. Actress Loretta Swit accompanied s h a re of the relief dollars available, the Ac t ress Loretta Swit delivering wheelchairs our distibution team and contributed great- Wheelchair Foundation remains dedicated to in Lebanon. ly to the mission and the video pro duced a narrow focus of delivering a tangible item by the Wheelchair Foundation. Volunteers that will immediately change the life of a dis- faring Phoenicia, and experienced numerous f rom Airline Ambassadors and local high abled person and their entire family. 100% of infusions of cultures over the centuries. The schools were also valued part icipants. your tax-deductible donation goes to buying historical events through the Byzantine and The team also visited a Palestinian refugee and delivering a wheelchair. This wheelchair Ottoman Empires could fill volumes of text- camp in Southern Lebanon to distribute wheel- will allow a child, teen or adult to go to school, books, and the Western influences of France chairs. The trip took them through both earn an income, attend worship services, and in and America helped establish Lebanon as an Lebanese and then Palestinian military check many cases, become a part of, or re-enter soci- independent nation in 1943. The American points, and past dozens of unmarked mine ety. No value can be put on independence, hope University of Beirut was established in 1920, fields. A privately funded clinic, in the camp or freedom, and the tears of joy that we have and remains one of the finest educational that was established by the United Nations in seen so many times, are gifts that we most institutions in the world. 1948, serves 80,000 refugees living in an area of sincerely cherish, and hope to share with the The Lebanese people value individualism, approximately 160 square acres. The disabled world. which has contributed to their great creativity that need a wheelchair are numerous, and and inventiveness throughout history. Close generally without hope. family relations, honor and loyalty to friends At one point, a woman being seated in a are vitally important. The people of Lebanon wheelchair began crying from her happiness of Helping the People are one of the most educated and technically actually receiving one. Suddenly her 10-year- prepared populations in the world. In 2001, old daughter ran up and started hitting the of Lebanon 95 percent of Lebanese aged 15 and older were team members adjusting the footrests. She literate. Primary education is compulsory, and thought her mother was being hurt, because The Republic of Lebanon is located on the attendance is near universal. Beirut is home she had never seen her cry before. The re al- e a s t e rn coast of the Mediterranean Sea in to six universities, and there are over 100 tech- ization that came over the girl’s face when her Southwest Asia. The country of 4,036 square nical, vocational and other specialized schools mother explained it to her, brought tears to miles has a population of 3.6 million residents. throughout the country. the eyes of many members of the gathere d In ancient times, Lebanon was the heart of sea- The people of Lebanon have suffered greatly crowd.

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The three days of distributions were very be moved around the small room to be closer successful, and would set the stage for the next to her. The girl had spent the last 23 years lay- shipment in August of 2001. ing flat on a mattress, looking at the ceiling, The Children of Nepal During the August distribution of 240 without the ability to move or be moved easily. love Ronald McDonald wheelchairs, co-sponsored by the Lebanese- These real-life stories are encountered on American Foundation, First Lady Andree La- every one of our wheelchair distributions, and In the Kingdom of Nepal, the ancient Kath- houd brought national media attention to our inspire us all to do as much as we can to help. mandu valley is a melting pot of people and efforts, and helped us organize a distribution The people of Lebanon are doing their best cultures. network of 20 rehabilitation centers, hospi- in attending to the needs of the disabled, but This country of 23 million people is North of tals, nursing homes and non-governmental re- their health care system can’t possibly keep up , South of Tibet, and is just over 500 miles lief organizations throughout the country. with the injuries caused by landmines in the long by 140 miles wide. During a visit to another refugee camp, a south, or disabilities due to illness and ad- A natural treasure of drama and grandeur, wheelchair was delivered to a 23-year-old girl vanced age. It is the goal of the Wheelchair Nepal possesses the world’s deepest gorges and with a severe neurological disorder. She and Foundation, and our supporters internationally, the highest point on earth . . . Mount Everest. her mother lived on the 4TH floor of a narrow to continue developing our distribution net- F rom tropical forests at lower elevations to concrete structure with no windows and only work, which will allow for the increased spon- arctic conditions on the “roof of the world” steep stairs as access. The mother cried with joy sorship and delivery of wheelchairs to chil- the geography is as diverse as its people. when the wheelchair was delivered, because dren, teens or adults that are in dire need of The towering peaks are worshiped by now her daughter could sit up in the wheel- mobility worldwide. locals as homes of the gods, and challenge chair and look out of the door to see outside, or (continued on page 16)

A Wheelchair Story By Anika Olen, Physiotherapist for Mercy Ships New Steps – Sierra Leone. Kai Njama tells me about an adult man who is heartedly agrees with him. We walk back to event. By the time we reach the waiting man, not able to walk and so Alfred and I “carry” the vehicle to unload the wheelchair. I cannot spot my colleague Alfred in the one of our last eighteen-inch wheelchairs to The shiny, new, cherry-red wheelchair, with crowd. Abass is encouraged to climb into the Waterloo. Bendu, the vice-chairman of the its front wheels still wrapped in plastic, elic- chair and I start to adjust the height of the polio community, sends a messenger to go its much admiration and attention among footrests. We have to lower the footrest to and call the man. Fatmata and I walk in the the instant crowd of onlookers. The wheel- the farthest setting possible. Abass is a tall d i rection of his home to meet him on the chair is part of a consignment donated by the man. By this time, Alfred has managed to way. The man we have come to see is called Wheelchair Foundation, which Mercy Ships make his way through the crowd and he cer- Abass Conteh. In 1997 he was shot by the New Steps is distributing in Sierra Leone. emoniously removes the plastic from the rebels in both legs, shattering the femurs and The messenger returns to inform us that wheels and explains how to use the breaks. since then he has not been able to walk, his there has been a change of plan – Abass is Abass using his strong arms, which have been brother explains. He moves around the village tired can we go to meet him with the wheel- his legs for 4 years, effortlessly rolls the wheel- by crawling on the rough ground on his chair? The crowd around the wheelchair has chair through the sand for a test . The hands and knees. His older bro ther, walks grown. One of the young men who has ven- crowd applauds spontaneously. As we start alongside the crawling fully grown man who tured to touch it asks if he may push it. All to leave and the crowd begins to scatter, sev- is making slow progress along the dusty road. those who lacked the courage to touch or eral old ladies come to hold my hands in Abass himself has little to say. I offer to bring ask, now look on enviously as with a tri- theirs as a sign of their appreciation, shak- the wheelchair to him to save him from mak- umphant smile he strides out across the rough ing their heads and indicating the horror and ing the whole journey. His brother tells me ground pushing the chair in front of him. shame of an adult man who had to “drag he that he should go all the way there – this is his Alfred, Fatmata, the designated wheelchair waist” in this way. They are all so thankful; as end of the bargain and he should receive the pusher, myself, and the small crowd make a if they have received a precious gift them- chair at the place of assembly of the commu- stately progress towards Abass. The proces- selves. They pray a blessing from God over us. nity. This is what I understood from his ges- sion draws many curious “pikin” tumbling I have already been blessed. ■ tures and explanation and Fatmata whole- out of their houses to join in the exciting

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Ne p a l (continued from page 15) assessment team first traveled to Nepal, the We are so blessed and have so much, and the human perspective. Drops of water that begin Wheelchair Foundation, physical therapists, people of Nepal have so little. This is a way at the highest points on earth, travel to slopes specialists and volunteers from Airline Am- that I can use my skills to give something to of medicinal herbs and into valleys of grain. bassadors, and the Association of Mobility people that have so much less than me. This is Family and religion are of para- Providers joined re presentatives really why I do it.” mount importance to a prayerful from the Nepalese National Fed- The lives of these children have been people that depend on agricul- eration of the Disabled, and de- changed in a positive and long lasting way, and t u re or livestock for their daily l i v e red 206 specialized wheel- their families have been given the ability to existence. 40 ethnic groups that chairs that were paid for with a take their child to school, worship, or just out- speak 70 different languages have grant from Ronald McDonald side to see the world around them. The gift of melded into one society that is House Charities. a wheelchair brings together the lives of en- rich in tradition and complex in During the 4-day distribution tire families, which is of significant importance makeup. of wheelchairs, the team met and in the culture of the Nepalese. This spiritual society is heavily interacted with people that rep- This story of children and their families with influenced by the presence of nu- resented a cross section of the a new lease on life in the Kingdom of Nepal, is m e rous temples, shrines, and Nepalese. Their thankful gestures a tribute to the dedicated efforts of Ronald Mc- monasteries. The needs of people and smiling faces revealed hope Donald House Charities—people that make a a re simple, but numero u s . for the future of their families, difference in so many lives, every day. Refugees from neighboring coun- and happiness that they never The Wheelchair Foundation thanks Ronald tries are given safe haven within the borders of thought possible. The mother of a 12-year-old McDonald House Charities for their over- Nepal, even though it is not a wealthy country. boy with cerebral palsy said, “It is very difficult whelming commitment to the children of the The bright-eyed children are at peace in their at home. He can’t stand or even sit. We must do world, and helping us in our global mission, to innocence, and enjoy the simple pleasures of everything for him, and it takes 2 people to change the lives of people and their families, life. one wheelchair at a time. This developing nation has only re cently To watch a video about this wheelchair dis- opened its borders to the Western world. Many tribution in the Kingdom of Nepal, please visit elements of Western society are just now start- wheelchairfoundation.org and go to “Wheel- ing to enter Nepal. When the average income chair Deliveries.” of a local farmer is less than $200.00 per year, luxuries are rare, and prayer is an essential part of keeping families together. Basic human needs are a daily concern, and the needs of Angola ~ The most disabled children are beyond the resources of most. disabled In July of 2000 a team of concerned profes- sionals entered the Kathmandu valley to ex- Located on the Atlantic Coast of Southern plore the needs of the physically disabled. A Africa, Angola has been plagued by civil war child in Nepal with a neurological or other se- ever since its independence from Portuguese rious disease must be carried anywhere they go, colonialism in 1975. The warring factions have but for most, their sentence is life in bed, or on brought about as many as 1.5 million deaths the floor of a room until they die. and the United Nations estimates that there Upon the team’s return to the US, the newly a re currently 2.7 million Angolan re f u g e e s . founded Wheelchair Foundation was told The average Angolan has a life expectancy of about the needs of 206 children with severe only 47 years. disabilities in Kathmandu. We accepted the From the standpoint of disability, the situa- challenge of helping these children, and dedi- Wheelchair recipient in Nepal. tion is equally dire. Millions of landmines lurk cated our eff o rts to getting the specialized beneath the country’s soil, killing and maiming wheelchairs that they needed. move him. This wheelchair will make it much thousands of Angolans per year. A 1995 UN It was Ronald McDonald House Charities easier, and now he will be able to go outside.” study estimated there were 70,000 amputees in that said, “We can help you save these chil- When asked why she has traveled as a volun- Angola and, with 4,000 to 6,000 new victims dren.” teer so far from home, physical therapist Robin per year, the number is steadily rising. It is In May of 2001, less than one-year after the Corey said, “I do this to give something back. these statistics that bring Angola the chilling

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John D. Gass, Managing Director of Chevron in Luanda said, “What I saw was tremendous gratitude and disbelief that they were receiving a wheelchair.” Gass continued, “We want to give something back and be a positive force of change in the communities where we operate. These 240 wheelchairs only scratch the sur- face here in Angola, and we will have to do more.” Although the fighting has slowed down in recent months, Angola is still listed as one of the world’s most dangerous places to visit. It is by the dedicated efforts of the Chevron Cor- poration and Liwini that the Wheelchair Foun- dation is able to continue our global mission of changing lives for the better every day. Upon re- ceiving a wheelchair, children, teens and adults are now able to go to school, work, attend wor- ship services or just go outside for the first 12 - y e a r-old land mine victim. time in many years or for the first time in their lives. distinction of having the world’s most disabled population. It is estimated that 20% of the 12 Rotarian Chuck Harper delivers Hope in Mexico. million people of Angola are disabled. The Wheelchair Foundation thanks the A Neighbor in Need ~ de Gante had been working with the agencies Chevron Corporation for sponsoring the ship- for disabled people in Mexico, and local reha- ment of 240 wheelchairs to Angola. In June Mexico bilitation organizations to identify the recipi- of 2001, the Wheelchair Foundation team was ents for 240 wheelchairs. Texcoco de Gante welcomed to Luanda, Angola by Chevron and It was cold and windy at 7:30 AM on Novem- Rotary Club President Humberto Mayorga had First Lady Ana Paula dos Santos. Mrs. dos San- ber 5, 2001 in Texcoco, Mexico. The location made this his personal mission. Upon learning tos and her Liwini Foundation participated in was a small soccer stadium at a public park in from Jim Walker of the Rotary Club of Cuper- the distribution of the wheelchairs and wit- this suburb of Mexico City. The population of tino, California that Cupertino and several nessed firsthand the delivery of hope and mo- Mexico City and its surrounding area is 25 s u rrounding clubs would be sponsoring a bility to people that once only knew despair. million people. It is estimated that 1.2 million container of 240 wheelchairs to Texcoco, Hum- Liwini and Mrs. dos Santos were most of them need a wheelchair but cannot afford b e rto was elated, but careful not to get too prominently featured in the public spotlight one. excited. He knew the difficulties of importing when Princess Diana visited Angola in 1997 Today 240 children, teens and adults are goods into Mexico, but offered his complete to raise awareness of the devastation caused going to be receiving brand new wheelchairs. cooperation. by land mines. For many, this would be the first wheelchair What Humberto didn’t know at the time that they have ever owned or even used. For was that the Wheelchair Foundation has an most, this was a day too good to be true, that International Board of Advisors that is second only prayers could have brought. to none. Rotary International President 2000- Even though the distribution ceremony was 2001 Frank Devlyn is from Mexico City and is not scheduled to begin until 11:00 AM, the well respected by both the business world and number of people walking with crutches, being the Presidency of Mexico. Through President carried or crawling on the ground to the sta- Devlyn’s connections with the Mexican gov- dium at 7:30 in the morning was amazing. But ernment, and the dedicated efforts of his staff at taken in context, what was a 31⁄2-hour wait Devlyn Optical, the container of 240 wheel- for a wheelchair, compared to a lifetime of chairs was delivered to Texcoco in plenty of needing one. time before November 5TH. Princess Diana and First Lady Ana Paula dos The festivities of the day had been planned One of the reasons that this date was so Santos in Angola. for several months. The Rotary Club of Texcoco (continued on page 18)

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Me x i c o (continued from page 17) pertino club president Charlie Schramm and ber of our team handed her mother 200 pesos important is that 34 members of the Cupertino his wife Debbie were obviously very proud of as we were leaving, to make up for the money and San Francisco Bay Area Rotary Clubs were what they had accomplished. lost to the con man.) traveling to Texcoco to actively participate in Martina Miranda (42) had told us the day For the 240 recipients of wheelchairs and the 240-wheelchair distribution. Another rea- before as we visited her home, that she had a their families that traveled to the soccer sta- son was that Wheelchair Foundation founder wheelchair about 20 years ago, but it only last- dium that day, there was a new feeling of hap- Ken Behring and his wife Pat were scheduled to ed 5 years. Her nephew wheels her on a hand piness in the air. The combination of meeting meet that morning with Mexican First Lady truck as she sits on a milk crate, to get to the friendly people who only wanted to help, and Martha Fox at Los Pinos. (The Mexican Presi- bus each morning. She works at a ro a d s i d e receiving a gift beyond any dream possible, dential residence) The meeting with Mrs. Fox, stand selling shoe polish. Otherwise she walks brought smiles to faces that might have thought Ken & Mrs. Behring, and Frank & Mrs. Devlyn on her knees, being disabled from birth. Her they had forgotten how. There was singing, was wonderful. Mrs. Fox embraced the Wheel- 85-year-old mother has lifted and helped her there was praying and lots of thankful gestures chair Foundation efforts in Mexico and agreed for the past 42 years. The tears of joy that were that warmed the hearts of everyone in atten- to become a member of our International Board in their eyes when they received her wheel- dance. The Rotary Club of Texcoco had done of Advisors. chair were a mixture of happiness and disbelief. an incredible job and made this event some- It was now 11:00 AM and the ceremony was Martina said, “I have prayed so long for an- thing they could be very proud of. to begin. On the running track were 3 rows of Our hope is that every person who attended 80 chairs with wheelchair recipients anxious- the events in Mexico on November 5, 2001 ly waiting. Over 600 people were in the bleach- will spread the word about the lives that were ers or on the field. A marching band played changed that day — the wheelchair recipients, the Mexican national anthem, a drill team their families, and every witness to the gifts of m a rched in, and children carrying flags on hope, mobility and freedom being given to poles with the Wheelchair Foundation logo thankful people that before this day didn’t dare and the Rotary Emblem proudly entered in to dream. single file. One of the children was only 4- years-old and could barely carry the flag, but he was proud to be there. After welcoming speeches by Humberto May- The Wheelchair orga, Frank Devlyn, Ken Behring and govern- ment officials, the wheelchair delivery was ready Foundation ~ Florida to begin. Children in sky blue jogging suits, marked with the logo of their local school, The relief efforts of the Wheelchair Foundation wheeled in 50 wheelchairs at a time. Ken focus on any part of the world that has dis- Behring and Frank Devlyn lifted the first recip- abled people in need of a wheelchair and can- ient into his wheelchair, and the crowd roared. not aff ord one. There are a great number of The Rotarians from California and Te x c o c o disabled people worldwide, but we have dis- matched the registered recipients numbers to Ma rtina Miranda and her mother. tributed more wheelchairs right here in the their wheelchairs and lifted them in one by one, other wheelchair, and I knew that my prayers United States than anywhere else in the world. then several at a time. Over 70 volunteers from would be answered.” Her mother told us that The establishment of the Florida Chapter both countries participated. They took pictures they could never afford such a beautiful red of the Wheelchair Foundation has greatly in- of the recipients in their new wheelchairs with wheelchair, and that this gift would make the creased awareness of the plight of the disabled numbered cards, writing their names and ages remaining years of her life so much easier. in America. Through the dedicated efforts of on each one. People were crying with joy, as During our visit to Martina’s home Novem- our Florida Chapter President Jack Drury, do- volunteers adjusted the footrests and talked to ber 4TH, she told us that 10 years ago a man nations have been received that are sending each person. Mr. Behring was surrounded by had said he could get her a wheelchair from the hundreds of wheelchairs to Florida, as well as people thanking him for his genero sity, and government free of charge if she just paid the Argentina, the Bahamas, Brazil, Israel, Nassau, news crews documenting this never-before-seen shipping. The 70 pesos (Less than $8.00) that Turkey and Swaziland. level of giving in Mexico. Mr. Behring said, “We she lost to his scam was all the money her fam- As an active member of the Ft. Lauderdale are so thankful to Rotary both here and at home, ily could scrape together over the course of 3 c o m m u n i t y, Jack Dru ry has worked closely and Frank Devlyn for making all of this possible. months. This is just one example of the stories with Bro w a rd General Medical Center, the We just hope that this is the beginning of many we hear from people who need a wheelchair Center for Independent Living, nursing homes more deliveries like the one here today.” Cu- but cannot afford one. (An anonymous mem- and numerous organizations helping the dis-

Page 18 •WH E E L C H A I R F O U N DAT I O N . O R G• Ne w s l i n e s

with Rotary Clubs in Florida to sponsor wheel- chairs through local and international service projects. In a newly formed alliance with Sister Cities International, the Wheelchair Founda- tion Florida Chapter is participating with the Ft. Lauderdale Rotary Club to distribute wheel- chairs in their Sister City of Mar del Plata, Ar- gentina. This type of international coopera- tion will allow the Wheelchair Foundation to help the disabled at home and abro ad. The Wheelchair Foundation wishes to thank the Florida Chapter for creating awareness and raising funds to send wheelchairs to the dis- abled people of Florida and around the world. As our emissary of good will, and front door to the Caribbean and South America, the Wheelchair Foundation – Florida Chapter will continue to forge alliances with organizations and individu- Florida Chapter President Jack Drury (far left) delivering wheelchairs in the Bahamas. als dedicated to helping people in need of a abled in Florida to get wheelchairs to people ognizing that no man is an island, and no coun- wheelchair, but without the money to buy one. without mobility. try is an island unto itself. We need each other, During a recent distribution of 120 wheel- and the fact that we extend ourselves across The Wheelchair Foundation – Florida chairs to the Bahamas Association for the Phys- the waters to help our neighbors, defines our Ch a p t e r, 2800 E. Commercial Boulevard, ically Disabled, the Bahamian Minister of Eco- humanity.” Suite 207, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308 nomic Development, Mr. Zhavargo Laing said Jack is an active member of the Ft. Laud- USA (954) 776-0722; to Jack Drury, “All across the world we are rec- e rdale Rotary Club, and is working closely [email protected].

Wel c o m e Wheelchairs For Peace

The Wheelchair Foundation has recently reached an international one of their respective Sister Cities. This cooperation agreement with Sister Cities International (SCI) to joint- will bring a total of 100 cities into the pro- ly provide 60,000 wheelchairs over the next five years to communities gram titled “Wheelchairs for Peace.” Each throughout the world. U.S. chapter will raise $18,000.00 to match Sister Cities International is a non-profit citizen diplomacy net- the funds provided by the Wheelchair Foun- work creating and strengthening partnerships between U.S. and in- dation, and send a $36,000.00, 240-wheel- ternational communities in an effort to increase global cooperation at chair container. (A wheelchair costs $150.00 delivered) the municipal level, promote cultural understanding, and stimulate In addition to the distribution of the wheelchairs, the Sister economic development. SCI leads the movement for local community City partnerships will commit to working jointly on making their development and volunteer action by motivating and empowering communities more accessible and welcoming to people with disabil- private citizens, municipal officials, and business leaders to conduct ities, and establish continuing relationships with the wheelchair long-term programs of mutual benefit. recipients. The Wheelchair Foundation will commit a minimum of $4.5 This initiative will take place from 2002 to 2006, culminating in the million in over a five-year period, to match dollar for 50TH anniversary of Sister Cities International. dollar, funds raised by U.S. Sister City Chapters and their local af- It is the hope of the Wheelchair Foundation and Sister Cities filiates. International, that these efforts will result in an increased awareness At least 50 U.S. Sister City chapters will be selected to participate in of the ab i l i t i e s of the physically challenged, and allow for gre ater a program that will provide 240 wheelchairs (A 40-foot container) to community participation in a new way of thinking. ■

Page 19 • THE WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATI O N• In t e r v i e w

Je rry Lewis (continued from page 10) with it. I’ll show him what to do with it, and who is terminal, and is not going to be here so will Ken. this coming week, we talked and we laughed JL : How would I thank them? Well… thank and we giggled, and he was so happy that he you just feels so inept, or so skimpy, and my CT W: The other great unknown that we have was able to talk to me, and finally was able to deepest gratitude seems like I’m not saying d i s c o v e red since the establishment of the meet me on the phone. How do you put a anything. I mean, we are talking about num- Wheelchair Foundation in June of 2000 is the price on that? bers only General Motors ever puts on a piece number of disabled worldwide. The Wo r l d of paper, or the Treasury Department. A bil- Health Organization publishes that there are CT W: You can’t. lion eight hundred million dollars. Remember, 20-25 million people around the world in need JL : I know you can’t. they have been coming back to me for fifty of a wheelchair, but without the money to buy years. And the interesting thing is, that the one. In working with our wheelchair distribu- CT W: Do you have anything that you would numbers we get at the end of the Telethon is tion partners and governments around the like to add for our readers? from only 2% of the viewers. Do you realize world, we now know that the number is really J L : Yes. I think that whenever somebody that if we got 4% that would mean $120 mil- at least 100-130 million people. 20% of An- makes a donation to the Wheelchair Foun- gola’s 12 million people alone are disabled and lion? So if we are seen by 80 million people, dation, they should go up to a mirror and say without the ability to get a wheelchair. 2% is giving us $56.8 million. And many of . . . thank you! them are the same people that have been with JL : I never knew the number was that high. me for 50 years. It’s always that same audi- Je rry Lewis has a motto that reflects his love for ence that sends in the money, ‘Jerry we’ve CT W: None of us did. But through our efforts, hu m a n i t y : hopefully the world will learn the true number. been with you 39 years,’ or ‘Jerry I’ve been “I shall pass through this world but once. Any with you 43 years.’ Those are the people that JL : The injuries from land mines are so trag- good, therefore, that I can do or any kindness have stuck with me all of the way. Then come ic, and there are so many millions still out that I can show to any human being, let me do their families, from baby boomers right up there. The numbers are staggering, and they it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I to now. I would just keep thanking them until need help. shall not pass this way again!” they believe me. C T W: We are working at it every day. O.K. C T W: As the person with more experience last question. When a person dedicates their For info rm ation about the raising money for the disabled than any other life to helping others, who receives the most Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, human being in history, what was your reaction benefit? please visit the MDA web site at when you learned of Ken Behring’s goal to de- www.mdausa.org. liver a million wheelchairs in the next 5 years J L : The one that’s doing the good work. to people that need one, but cannot afford one? You’ve heard me say that since you were a little kid. JL : Well, my first reaction was, ‘There ’s the C T W: man that should be getting the Nobel Peace I know. That’s why I wrote the ques- Prize.’ For what Ken is doing, we don’t know tion. enough about him and his work, and the JL : It’s the most selfish thing that I do in my other Ken’s of the world. And it is a shame life. Because, although I am serving people in that we don’t. As I said earlier about what need, and I do it through selflessness, it’s re- you do on Monday affects Friday, what Ken is ally selfish. I wish they could get as much doing now is going to pull people out of the benefit as I get. I mean, my feeling of worth, woodwork, and if it were not for him they of personal esteem is enormous, after I have would never have come around. So he is a done something specific for my kids. And tremendous force for all of those down the there is no way that you can avoid feeling line that are thinking about doing something those feelings of depth and gratitude and for others and just don’t. And when what Ken appreciation. If it were not for the Amer- is doing gets around to them, I think he will ican people, I couldn’t be such a hero. be one of the greatest forces ever. But my appreciation for what they do, and my love for what I do, gives me such CT W: That is probably true. satisfaction and the want to go on. And JL : (A d a m a n t l y ) Without question! There is every time in the past 50 years or so some guy like a J. Paul Getty sitting on 3 or 4 that I have spoken to a dystro p h i c billion dollars and not knowing what to do child, like the child I called yesterday

Page 20 •WH E E L C H A I R F O U N DAT I O N . O R G• Or g a n i z a t i o n s Affiliate Organizations that Receive and Distribute Wheelchairs

The Wheelchair Foundation is the world’s leading wheelchair relief age, country and wheelchair number. We can then supply a presen- organization. We purchase wheelchairs from factories building high tation folder containing a photograph and certificate to our donors, quality, long lasting products that will best provide mobility to the with all of the information about the recipient. disabled people around the world who are in need of a wheelchair but The wheelchairs provided are available in 5 sizes: 12 & 14-inch without the ability to afford one. width for children and 16, 18 & 20 inch widths for adults. All wheel- It is estimated that 100-130 million people worldwide are chairs have removable armrests, adjustable footrests and fold for ease disabled by war, disease, natural disaster, or advanced age. The Wheel- of transportation. chair Foundation relies on its “Affiliate” organizations to receive and The following is a partial list of Non-Governmental Organizations distribute the wheelchairs provided. A photograph of each recipient (NGO’s) that we are proud to be working with in providing mobility is returned to us, along with a card containing the person’s name, to the disabled populations of the world. In Alphabetical Order

Aid to the Church In Russia First Lady of Coahuila, Mexico National Federation of People with Airline Ambassadors First Lady of Columbia Disabilities in Namibia Al-Hussein Society First Lady of El Salvador Nelson Mandela Foundation American Friends of Alyn Hospital First Lady of Guatemala Oakland Athletics Baseball American Red Cross First Lady of Honduras Company Assaf Harofeh Medical Center First Lady of Mexico Operation USA Center for Independent Living of First Lady of Nicaragua Palestinian Ministry of Social Affairs South Florida First Lady of Nigeria Patient’s Friends Society Center for Independent Living of First Lady of Panama Perpetual Help for Africa Reno, Nevada First Lady of Paraguay Project Hope Cheshire Home First Lady of Peru Red Cross of Bosnia/Herzegovina Chevron, Angola First Lady of Tamaulipas, Mexico Rehab Association of Burundi Child Care Trust Nigeria Goodwill Industries Rehab Association of CAR China Disabled Person’s Federation Graca Machel Mandela Foundation Christian Orthopedic Partners of Community Development Rehab Association of Rwanda LDS Charities Haitians Living Abroad Rotary Clubs – Worldwide Counterpart International Hope Haven International Sabelkheir Association Deseret Industries International Service of Hope Scottlee Holdings Direct Relief International Kham Aid Foundation Sirindhorn National Medical Relief Englezakis Group / Spar Stores, Liwini, Angola Technology – Transfer International South Africa Manos de Ayuda The Auto Collections – Las Vegas, Nevada Entrena, Medical Outreach for Armenians The Salvation Army First Lady of Angola Mercy Corp International Tzu Chi University First Lady of Baja, Mexico Mercy Ships Wheels for Humanity First Lady of Bolivia MICA, Inc. World Vision First Lady of Brazil Mobility Project National Federation of the Disabled

Page 21 • THE WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATI O N• Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many people need wheelchairs but cannot afford Q: Are all of the wheelchairs going to countries other than one? the United States? A: It is estimated that at least 100 million children and adults A: No. The Salvation Army is working with us here in the worldwide need a wheelchair but cannot afford one. Some US to distribute wheelchairs to people that need one but international organizations believe that the number could cannot afford one. be higher. Q: Are these wheelchairs designed for rough, third world Q: How much does a wheelchair cost? conditions? A: We can purchase and deliver a wheelchair for $150. This A: Yes. The wheelchairs that we distribute are specifically wheelchair would normally cost $375, but the large quan- designed for the rough conditions of developing coun- tities that we purchase allow us to deliver one for only tries. Extra heavy wheels, tires and additional welding $150. make these wheelchairs the best possible for most condi- tions. Q: How much do I have to donate to deliver a wheelchair to a disabled person? Q: How can I help? A: $75. The Wheelchair Foundation has been gifted a specific A: 1. Your tax-deductible donation will make the difference amount of funds to combine with each new $75 donation between people wanting to live or die. 2. Get the word to deliver a wheelchair. ou t ! Tell everyone you know that you are now a part of the most ambitious relief mission of its kind in the history of Q: How do I know that my money has purchased and de- our civilization! 3. Have a fund-raiser! Local businesses, or- livered a wheelchair? ganizations and schools can all help. We will supply every- A: For every $75 tax-deductible donation, you will receive thing you need to help us change the world. 4. Co r p o r a t e a beautiful presentation folder containing a 5x7 inch, color Sp o n s o r s h i p . Help us find corporations that have interests photograph of a person in the wheelchair that you pro- in countries that need our help. We can target their spon- vided for them, along with a certificate telling you the sorship to specific countries and needs. They will be a person’s name, age, country and the wheelchair number. hero, and so many people will be given a new lease on life.

Wheelchair Foundation Gallery at the Blackhawk Museum The Blackhawk Museum is a Smithsonian Institution-affiliate that The display also includes a collection of wheelchairs that repre- is renowned for its galleries of the finest “classic” automobiles any- sent the creative elements applied to the problem of immobility. where in the world. The Museum features Smithsonian traveling Antique wheelchairs from the early part of the 20TH century share exhibits such as “SPIDERS,” the fascinating “POSTED ABOARD the stage with their contemporary equivalents. The Wheelchair THE TITANIC,” and the Smithsonian’s salute to the American Mu- Foundation is seeking donations of antique wheelchairs, or cre- sical called “RED, HOT & BLUE.” The Museum presents rotating ative examples of mobility devices for this exhibit. exhibitions of art, science, culture and natural history for public The Wheelchair Foundation is grateful to the Blackhawk Muse- enjoyment and daily scholastic programs. um, the Behring-Hofmann Educational Institute, its directors and Opened in December 2001, is a 2,000 square foot display to staff for their dedicated support of our global effort to provide mo- showcase the Wheelchair Foundation’s work around the world. b i l i t y, hope and freedom to over 100 million people around the The display features information about the Foundation’s wheel- world. chair distributions and videos telling the stories of people affected (For more information about the fabulous Blackhawk Museum, by the Foundation’s work. More over, visitors to the display will visit their web site at www. b l a c k h a w k m u s e u m . o rg or call (925) learn about the need for wheelchairs around the world and what 736-2277 between the hours of 10 AM and 5 PM, We d n e s d a y s they can do to help. through Sundays) ■

Page 22 •WH E E L C H A I R F O U N DAT I O N . O R G• Planned Giving Whether supported through an outright gift or planned gift, Charitable Lead Trust the Wheelchair Foundation’s efforts are made possible Individuals with very large estates can use a charitable through the generosity and commitment of people like you. A lead trust to benefit the Wheelchair Foundation and pass planned gift to the Wheelchair Foundation helps to ensure the principal to family members with little or no tax future of our wheelchair deliveries worldwide and may further consequences your financial goals. Charitable Remainder Trusts Planned gifts include gifts through your will, charitable gift Families have used the Charitable Remainder Trust as an annuities, gifts of life insurance, and charitable trusts. intricate part of their estate planning. This type of plan Be q u e s t s provides income to the family and the remainder is gifted Many of our supporters make charitable gifts by naming the to the Wheelchair Foundation in the name of the Family Wheelchair Foundation as a beneficiary in their wills. Trust. This type of plan is intended to help decrease the value of one’s estate, in order to alleviate tax consequences Gift of Life Insurance to the family Some of our supporters no longer need their life insurance beneficiaries. that was purchased years ago to provide for children or other Wh e e l c h a i r family members, and donate the policy to the Wheelchair Fo u n d a t i o n Foundation. “Serving the World” Gifts of Retirement Plans Some people have chosen to name the Wheelchair Foundation as the beneficiary to their IRA. The IRA can provide income to the owner of the account, and then pass to the Wheelchair Foundation as the beneficiary recipient. Worldwide toll free (877) 378-3839

Enclosed is my tax-deductible donation of: ($75 delivers a wheelchair for a limited time.) he Wheelchair Fou n d a t i o n will deliver a future to a child, teen or adult who has been disabled by war, ■ $25 ■ $50 ■ $75 ■ $150 ■ Other $______■ disease natural disaster, or advanced age. The wheel- $18,000 DELIVERS A 240-WHEELCHAIR CONTAINER TO A DESTINATION OF YOUR CHOICE* chair that will allow a future including school, wor- Your gift can be made in honor or in memory of a special person. ship and interaction with family, can be donated in Donor’s Name______the name of a special person in your life. Address______$150.00 buys and delivers a wheelchair to a person in City______State______Zip______desperate need of Hope, Mobility and Freedom. Th e ■ In Honor Of ■ In Memory Of______Wheelchair Foundation has been gifted a specific Presentation Folder Sent To______amount of funds to combine with each new $75 Address______donation to deliver one wheelchair. City______State______Zip______For each new $75 donation, you will rec e i ve a beauti- Credit card: ■ Visa ■ Mastercard ■ American Express ■ Discover ful presentation folder with the picture of a wheel- Name as it appears on your card ______chair recipient and a certificate with their name, age, Card Number ______Exp. Date______co u n t ry, and wheelchair number, until these combin- Signature______ab l e gifted funds have been exhausted. * PROVIDING THAT THE WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATION HAS, OR IS ABLE TO ESTABLISH A DISTRIBUTION RELATIONSHIP IN THAT COUNTRY. Honor someone special in PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: The Wheelchair Foundation your life with a gift to Post Office Box 2973 The Wheelchair Fou n d a t i o n ! Danville, CA 94526 USA Worldwide toll free (877) 378-3839 To watch our videos of wheelchair distribution around the world or to donate online, please visit – w w w. w h e e l c h a i rf o u n d a t i o n . o r g Page 23 • THE WHEELCHAIR FOUNDATI O N• How Much is Mobility Worth to You? The Wheelchair Foundation will deliver a $150 buys and delivers a wheelchair to a fu t u re to a child, teen or adult who has been person in desperate need of Hope, Mobility disabled by war, disease, natural disaster, or and Freedom. The Wheelchair Foundation has advanced age. The wheelchair that will allow been gifted a specific amount of funds a future including school, worship and inter- to combine with each new $75 donation to action with family, can be donated in the deliver one wheelchair. name of a special person in your life.

$75 Can Now Deliver a New Life!

For each new $75 donation, you will receive a beautiful presentation folder with the pi c t u re of a wheelchair recipient and a certificate with their name, age, co u n t r y, and wheelchair nu m b e r, until these combinable gifted funds Sample Presentation Folder have been exhausted. Honor someone special in your life with a gift to The Wheelchair Foundation! Worldwide toll free (877) 378-3839 ww w. w h e e l c h a i rf o u n d a t i o n . o rg

The Wheelchair Foundation NONPROFIT Post Office Box 2973 ORGANIZATION Danville, CA 94526 USA U.S. POSTAG E PAID DA NVILLE,CA PERMIT NO. 260