Letter to the Editor

Help For the Handicapped

            Although I have been in Boquete since 2004, I spent the past year in Thailand where an old friend and I made and donated wheelchairs, walkers and crutches to needy children, many of whom were land-mine victims along the borders of Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. These appliances are made almost entirely out of "off the shelf" PVC plastic parts, and can be custom-made to the specifications of the handicapped individual.

            I have started making these devices here in Boquete for those in need in Chiriquí and the surrounding provinces.

            I have photos from the Thailand/Myanmar operations, and samples of walker and crutch products that I have constructed here in Boquete. Rojas Rodriguez, S.A. (El Constructor) has graciously provided "at-cost" pricing for materials. Just in "talking it up," the response in the community has been quite positive. My time and energy in making the appliances are without cost. Cost of materials is (so far) out of my pocket, although donations to the account at El Constructor would be appreciated.

            The population of individuals who could benefit from this project ranges from homebound handicapped individuals, to persons without funds to purchase walkers and crutches (including the elderly and injured persons), to children with special mobility needs which cannot be met with "off the shelf" products.

            I can be reached at Lobo4819@yahoo.com or by cel at 6538-8010

            Thank you for your consideration - Bob Wolfe