Brad Blauser’s Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids program has distributed nearly 650 free pediatric wheelchairs to children in need since 2005. Last Thursday night his program received the CNN Heroes of 2009 award. It’s an award that honors remarkable individuals who were nominated by their viewers for their sacrifices and accomplishments to help others.
Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids was created by Brad to meet the needs of children with disabilities in Northern Iraq at the request of LTC David Brown. He and his soldiers had been in the city of Mosul and observed as children pulled themselves along the ground because their legs simply did not work.
The wheelchairs are designed by ROC Wheels specifically for children in developing countries with rough terrain environments. Manufacturing is handled by Hope Haven International Ministries.
Many children in a number of nations are born with birth defects such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida among others, and Iraq is no different. Also, a number of children have suffered from injuries caused by the war environment. However, because of the environment and war situation in Iraq, there are no services to help these children with their disabilities.
Supporters can provide a $3500 wheelchair for only $350 (the cost of raw materials/parts), with free shipping to Iraq thanks to USAID and the Denton Program. A picture of the child in the wheelchair will be provided to donors who sponsor a wheelchair.
