2008-05-13 23:51:00 -
- In an effort to help millions of people with physical disabilities, Free Wheelchair Mission will roll into Springfield, MO driving a massive, brightly decorated truck fully loaded with wheelchairs.
"Most people in the United States would be shocked to learn that more than 100 million people worldwide no choice but to crawl on the ground," said Don Schoendorfer,
founder of Free Wheelchair Mission. "This tour is about letting Americans know how they can help. Just $50 for a wheelchair can change someone's life for years to come."
While most wheelchairs cost from $500 to $30,000, Free Wheelchair Mission's specially designed wheelchairs cost just $48.35 to manufacture and deliver. Waterproof and durable, each one is built with a plastic lawn chair and 24-inch mountain bike tires.
Free Wheelchair Mission has planned three events in Springfield:
Friday May 16 - TCSI-Transland is sponsoring a "Global Mobility" BBQ lunch at its terminal to fuel awareness for the great need for wheelchairs in poor and developing countries. Free Wheelchair Mission will be displaying their massive "Mobility in Motion" truck at the BBQ lunch on Transland's green space that adjoins the truck terminal.
Sunday May 18 - The Springfield YMCA is sponsoring the town's first ever "Walk for Mobility," letting people walk for those who can't. The race begins at the YMCA's Jones facility (91901 E. Republic Road, Springfield, MO 65804) and gives people the opportunity make a lasting impact in the lives of people with disabilities worldwide.
-- 2:00 p.m. - Registration
-- 3:00 p.m. - Special presentation from Alyson Roth of Free Wheelchair Mission
-- 3:13 p.m. - Springfield Walk for Mobility
-- 4:10 p.m. - Ability through Mobility Award Presentation
Monday May 19 - The Assemblies of God Health Care in Foreign Missions is hosting Free Wheelchair Mission's "Mobility in Motion" event at 521 W. Lynn St., Springfield, MO 65802. Open to the public from 11:00 am to 2:00 p.m., this event will help generate awareness for the great need that still exists for people with disabilities worldwide. It's a great opportunity to see Free Wheelchair Mission's unique wheelchair up close and help the organization reach its goal of distributing 20 million wheelchairs. DVDs and information about how to help will also be available.
Free Wheelchair Mission
Free Wheelchair Mission is an international non-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives through giving the gift of mobility to the physically disabled poor in developing countries as motivated by Jesus Christ. Free Wheelchair Mission's vision is to creatively partner with like-minded, international, and indigenous humanitarian organizations to place 20 million wheelchairs.
As of April 2008, Free Wheelchair Mission has distributed more than 315,000 wheelchairs to people with disabilities in more than 75 countries. Waterproof and durable, these wheelchairs are built to easily navigate the dirt roads in the impoverished countries served by Free Wheelchair Mission. People once doomed by diabetes, polio, landmines or birth defects, regain their lives and dignity. For information about Free Wheelchair Mission and how to give the gift of mobility, please visit the Web site at www.freewheelchairmission.org.
for Free Wheelchair Mission
Will Curtis, Public Relations, 714-349-7976
will@wholeproduct.com 
