Because of Ruth's osteoporosis, she has never been able to walk and her limited mobility kept her from attending school.

EL SALVADOR – Twelve-year-old Ruth always dreamed of going to school, but she was born with severe osteoporosis and has never been able to walk.

Her limited mobility makes it impossible for her to attend school, so she stays home with her mom, who has taught her to read and write.

“Every day I like to write and draw and I enjoy helping my Mom wash the dishes,” Ruth said.

Ruth’s dad works hard in the fields, but there’s barely enough money to sustain the family’s basic needs, let alone enough to buy his daughter a wheelchair.

“It’s really been sad for us because we have not been able to provide for our daughter and her special needs,” said Ruth’s mom.

“I couldn’t go to school because I can’t walk and I don’t have a wheelchair. And that made me feel sad,” Ruth said.

Thanks to a new wheelchair from OBI, Ruth is now able to go to school and enjoy her new freedom. More than 500 wheelchairs were also distributed to help others in need.

Operation Blessing heard about Ruth and not only provided her with the wheelchair she’s always needed, but 500 other people across El Salvador also received the gift of a new wheelchair.

“Today I have a wheelchair and I feel very happy,” Ruth said.

One of the first places Ruth wanted to visit with her newfound freedom was the school near her home. The principal greeted her there and told her that, “Now that she had a way to get around, she could start school the very next day.”

Operation Blessing then gave Ruth a few extra things: a backpack and school supplies to help her get started.

“Thank you Operation Blessing for helping me go to school,” she said.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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