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The SCOOTER Store Donates Power Wheelchair, Giving New Parents Chance to be an Active Family
Gift of Mobility Allows Local Man with Cerebral Palsy to Enjoy Time with Wife and New Son
Hartwell, Ga.—"It's a boy!" were the happy words marking the arrival of little Christopher Sokol. His proud parents, Gene and Tammy Sokol, were thrilled and excited at the birth of their first child, but they anticipated challenges because Mr. Sokol has limited mobility from cerebral palsy. Things just became a lot easier for them, thanks to a donated power wheelchair by The SCOOTER Store. Now, Mr. Sokol, 45, happily helps his wife chase after their 2-year-old toddler.
Patrick Frey, Mobility Manger of The SCOOTER Store's Atlanta Distribution Center delivered the power wheelchair to Mr. Sokol today under its "Gift of Mobility" program. The program provides mobility equipment and assistance to those who do not have the resources to purchase power wheelchairs and scooters.
The SCOOTER Store received a call from Mr. Sokol's sister-in-law, Teresa Simpson. She heard a radio program celebrating The SCOOTER Store's "Gift of Mobility" program and crediting it with improving the quality of life for many. She instantly thought of the Sokols, who "badly need a power wheelchair" but lack insurance coverage. When she called The SCOOTER Store and described the "hard working, educated and busy family," she was delighted to learn they were candidates for a donation.
The Sokols—who both have cerebral palsy, although Mrs. Sokol's mobility is less affected—married nine years ago and, thinking they could not have children, bought a home in a retirement community. They received the happiest surprise of their lives when they discovered the pregnancy two years ago. Since then, Christopher has brought many changes, including a move out of the retirement community.
The Sokols love their family time, but even a trip to the grocery store takes great effort. Ms. Simpson has watched her sister "lift the heavy manual wheelchair in and out of the trunk" and Mr. Sokol "try and hold the baby or carry grocery items as he shuffles his feet to move his chair." Thankfully, Ms. Simpson says the power wheelchair will "ultimately benefit the whole family and allow them to just have more fun together."
Doug Harrison, CEO and founder of The SCOOTER Store, said, "Having a family is rewarding and challenging, and we are so happy to help lessen this family's challenges by allowing Mr. Sokol to be mobile and independent with a power wheelchair."
Mr. Harrison and his wife, Susanna, started the Gift of Mobility program in December 2002 to help people like Mr. Sokol improve their quality of life by recovering their independence and mobility. Since then, the outreach program has worked with organizations around the country to donate power wheelchairs, scooters and manual wheelchairs valued at more than $200,000 a year to individuals and community service organizations, enabling them to provide freedom and independence to people with limited mobility.
About The SCOOTER Store
Since 1991, The SCOOTER Store has helped provide freedom and independence to more than 500,000 people with limited mobility. The SCOOTER Store offers a full line of durable medical equipment, including power wheelchairs and scooters, lifts, ramps and accessories in 48 states. The SCOOTER Store has worked with more than 203,000 physicians, providing expertise and quality service to their patients, and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care.
