When Luis first started our therapy program at ASELSI in Guatemala, he could not even hold his head up. Sometimes I  doubted if he would learn to sit alone because his progress was so slow. But little by little, thanks to the faithfulness of his family bringing him each week and our rehabilitation promoters providing therapy, we’ve seen him improve. Last year we delivered him this PVC walker, pictured above.

When we delivered this walker, Luis’ father was present but kept his distance, not certain what to think of the team of strangers visiting his house. A week ago we went back to see how he was doing. This time, his father greeted us at the door. It turns out Luis has grown and his PVC pipe walker is too small and can not sustain his newfound strength as he attempts to walk with it. His dad wanted us to see the new one, pictured below.

The new walker was made at his boss’ workshop in Quiche about thirty minutes from Chichicastenango. The frame is made of metal, so it is heavier, and the grips for his hands are from a bicycle. His dad was so proud of what he was able to provide for his son.  We’ve seen how it has improved his strength and posture. Luis wasn’t completely up to walking for us that afternoon, but we could see the difference the old and new walker made, not only in Luis, but also in his father and the entire family.