A Wheelchair for a Deserving Boy

by Nannette M. Morata
VFV Local Director

Joel Velbar is a 6–year old boy who was born with unusually small legs that stopped growing since he was 3 years old. For years, he had been using a native device used to train babies on how to walk but he grew bigger for and the device would not fit him anymore. To be able to move, the boy would be seen crawling around or waiting for his father to take him around.

Last year, Joel went to school for the first time. His condition didn't stop him from becoming interested in learning and being with other children. His father would carry Joel to school, which was more than a kilometer away from their home, and back. But the father knew that there will come a time when he will not be able to carry his son anymore. He could not bear the thought of seeing Joel crawl to school. They both wished for a wheelchair but the family could not afford one.

Joel's case caught the attention of Lenny Bugayong, a Filipina in Switzerland, who is a student but working part–time as a Tagalog instructor in Zurich. Through her effort and the CTJ Youth Group of Zurich, facilitated by Christopher Tsung, Joel got his wish to have a wheelchair. At a very young age, Joel knew that the wheelchair means simple freedom of moving around and exploring the world around him.

Together with the wheelchair, the donors provided the family with a grocery pack for Christmas. The delight and wonder in the eyes of Joel and his family show how much the gifts were truly appreciated. The whole community where the family lives was also grateful. This gratitude only shows that a truly deserving child got his biggest wish at last.