We Wanted to Pay It Forward

1 Gary standing in the D4D warehouse with his daughter's donated power wheelchair.

2 Gary traveled to D4D with his daughter's power wheelchair in the back of his truck to make the special donation.

"We wanted to pay it forward."

It's a phrase we hear often at Devices 4 the Disabled. Every donated wheelchair, walker, scooter, or hospital bed represents someone choosing to help the next person. That's exactly what brought Gary to our doors.

Gary recently drove nearly an hour to donate his 34-year-old daughter's power wheelchair after she had outgrown it. For his family, there was never any question about what to do with the equipment.

"It's been a long journey," Gary shared. "So many people have provided so many resources for us. We just wanted to keep paying it forward."

Over the years, Gary and his family experienced firsthand how life-changing the right mobility equipment can be. Donating the wheelchair was their opportunity to ensure another individual could benefit from the same kind of support they had received.

"I'm partial to keeping our resources within the community and taking care of each other," he said.

Gary also recognizes that obtaining essential medical equipment remains out of reach for many families. Rising costs and gaps in insurance coverage continue to create significant barriers.

"People are falling through the cracks left and right," he said. "They're underinsured, or they have no insurance at all. We have to take care of them because this is not inexpensive."

After recently attending the Abilities Expo in Schaumburg, Gary was reminded just how costly adaptive equipment can be.

"A jogger stroller for a special-needs child or adult is an $8,000 endeavor. And that's ridiculous."

Before leaving, Gary thanked Devices 4 the Disabled "on behalf of everybody that you serve."

Every donated piece of equipment carries more than wheels, batteries, or metal—it carries the opportunity for someone else to move, experience greater independence, and participate more fully in everyday life.

Thank you, Gary, and to every donor who chooses to pay it forward. Together, you make access possible.