Dasha's Diaries: Alexander's Bungee

Talu fought back the tears as she saw him struggling to approach the triage desk. Alexander's drop foot prevented him from being able to walk normally due to muscle or nerve damage. To compensate for his disability, Alexander invented a contraption consisting of a sling around his neck to which he fastened a bungee cord which went down and attached to the toe of his shoe. To take a step, he grabbed the bungee with his hand and dragged his leg forward while leaning on a cane. It was difficult to watch him labor with every step, yet here was another example of Ukrainian ingenuity; making do with what he had.

Alexander's bungee

Jill, our Wheels for the World leader, was available and cordially invited Alexander into her station. Jill is a redheaded, fireball, full of compassion and grace. She lovingly cared for Alexander and pondered how to solve this precious man's dilemma. In His providence, God sent a plantar fascitis splint and a cast shoe among our supplies so Jill could make a brace to prevent the foot drop when Alexander walked. Alexander also received a wheel chair to give him extra support for times when he was too exhausted to walk. This was just one of many God moments we experienced during the week.
Alexander left with the ability to walk without his bungee, however, he did take it with him and I'm quite sure, as he happily walked away, was thinking of yet another use for it! Alexander experienced the tremendous love and provision of our wonderful, creative God.

Another view of the bungee invention

Jill fitting Alexander with the splint & cast shoe

Seated on the right side of this picture is Sergi,our Ukrainian seating specialist. Sergi had his own team and of course could work without an interpreter. This was his second trip with GAiN and Wheels.

Later in the week we had a family who brought their Babushka (grandma) in another home made contraption. Some very clever person in the family constructed a wheel chair from bicycle wheels and combine parts of various objects so their beloved Babushka could be mobile. The chair was very functional and even had a reclining back! Its frame was welded together and had a small wheel in the back for balance. The arm rests were fashioned from old chair legs and the foot supports were perfectly fitted for Grandma's legs. Everyone on our team was amazed at the craftsmanship and imaginative design. There was no seat cushion but they had a lovely oriental style rug draped over the back and seat to provide a more comfortable ride for Grandma.

Terri, our Occupational Therapist, fitted Grandma with a new, folding, wheel chair with a nice padded seat cushion, for which the family was sincerely grateful. However, as they took the new chair and left, Grandma preferred to ride away in her beloved, hand crafted, chair.