Game-day surprise: Local child receives custom wheelchair funding

Special to Long Beach Breeze

Recently, a very special presentation took place at Keesler Federal Park during the Biloxi Shuckers game against the Montgomery Biscuits. While the team at Wheelchairs 4 Kids couldn’t be there in person, their community partners, the Gulfport Kiwanis Club and the Shuckers, stepped onto the field to present a check on behalf of Wheelchairs 4 Kids to nine-year-old Derrick and his mom, Cynthia.

Cynthia had initially reached out to Wheelchairs 4 Kids, because she desperately needed a new adaptive wheelchair to help Derrick travel more easily. Derrick, a true miracle, survived Shaken Baby Syndrome as an infant, defying doctors’ predictions that he would live in a vegetative state. Though he is non-verbal, tube-fed and unable to walk, those who know him say his joy shines through every day, especially when he’s listening to worship music or surrounded by his friends in church.

Cynthia shared that she is deeply grateful for this life-changing gift, calling it nothing short of an answered prayer. Thanks to the generosity of the Kiwanis and the Shuckers, this vital chair is now funded, giving Derrick the freedom to explore the world.

Wheelchairs 4 Kids is dedicated to improving the lives of children with physical disabilities by providing wheelchairs, home and vehicle modifications, and other necessary medical equipment at no charge to their families through its Let’s Roll program. They also have an inclusion program, known as Wheely Fun Days, where they host several events each year for the kids they’ve served to get out, socialize, and have fun.

To learn more about the organization or to help visit Wheelchairs4kids.org, or call 727-946-0963.