A Family on the Move: Emmanuel, Zachario and David’ s Day of Transformation
Some stories remind us just how much difference one day— and a little flexibility— can make. When Emmanuel( 19) and Zachario( 17) arrived for their pre‐registered assessments, they travelled from Mariashoni with their mother, Moraa, and father. What the team didn’ t expect was that their youngest son, David, aged just 8, would also need help.
While Gunn, our therapist, assessed the two older boys with the support of their father, Emmanuel arrived crawling but wasted no time transferring into a self‐propelled wheelchair. Within moments he understood how to manoeuvre it— and was soon confidently zooming around the hall. His excitement was infectious.
Zachario, too, received a wheelchair and, with a little assistance was soon propelling himself with pride and joy. Suddenly, two young men, Emmanuel and Zachario, were gliding through the busy hall with energy and enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Fiona carefully assessed David’ s walking ability with help from Moraa. Fiona located a paediatric walking frame, but David initially pushed it far ahead of himself, unsure how to move his feet. With gentle expertise, Fiona introduced a football— and encouraged him to kick while she guided his hips. David’ s giggles filled the room as he realised he could walk and kick the ball.
The transformation didn’ t stop there. Gunn also noticed that the boys’ father was using an unsuitable walking stick. With gratitude, he received a pair of crutches— completing a remarkable moment for the whole family which will transform their lives.
The family worships at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Mariashoni, and with new mobility aids— plus a Bible gifted to them— they can now fully participate together.
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