In December 2013, Mano a Mano distributed and custom-fitted nearly 200 wheelchairs for Bolivians with disabilities.
It was a massive effort both within Bolivia and the United States. Many of the recipients traveled long distances to receive a wheelchair; one family from Guayaramerin was able to make it and fit their child with a brand-new fitted wheelchair, even though it is a twenty-hour bus ride away from our offices in Cochabamba, where the wheelchair distribution was taking place, to their community.
Video of Distribution of Wheelchairs in December
Distributing Supplies with the Mano a Mano Plane
Not everyone was able to travel so far; in Guayaramerin there was also a 15-year old boy with severe disabilities in need of a wheelchair. With the support of a very generous donor in the US, Mano a Mano Apoyo Aereo flew out a wheelchair and medical supplies. Other much-needed items such as gloves, masks, gauze, crutches, and canes were also brought.
Supplies arriving in Guayaramerin on the Mano a Mano plane.
Supplies being loaded to be distributed in Guayaramerin.
The local pastor, Saúl, has been the lead contact on the medical supplies distribution within the region. He runs various social work programs (including providing a home for orphans), as well as traveling along the river to smaller towns to provide supplies and support. (Just as with any of our infrastructure projects, we always make sure that we collaborate with the local community to make sure that we are responding to their needs.)
Returning to Guayaramerin
Mano a Mano is proud to help such a wonderful and deserving community, in addition to our wider works across Bolivia. Thanks to these new connections, Mano a Mano Apoyo Aereo plans to return with more supplies to this region as we are able.