News & Tips

A power wheelchair was recently donated to REquipment, the durable medical equipment (DME) reuse program in Massachusetts. Inside the pocket was an anonymous note intended for the next user. Thank you to REquipment for sharing with the AT3 Center News and Tips community. Never underestimate the power of a wheelchair (or a reuse program!) Find your state’s reuse program.

To the recipient of this chair:

I am truly sorry about the circumstances in which you find the need for this chair. I can only hope it brings you as much enjoyment, comfort, and peace of mind as it did for my husband.

It has been a difficult decision for me to part with this chair. However, I know in my heart that the time has come for me to pay it forward.

This chair gave my husband the ability to do some of the simplest things in life that most may take for granted. In his final days, my husband was able to go outside and enjoy fresh air and even walk our dog which was so amazing to see (I recorded it). The first time he got in the chair and went out the door, he left track marks on our front lawn. I think he thought he was riding a Harley or driving a Maserati. Either way, the rubber hit the road and he was in his “glory days.” Of course, I think he was showing off a little bit, too, trying to impress me. Imagine that, 23 years of marriage and he was still trying to impress me.

We both underestimated the power of this chair because it had nothing do do with the motor, albeit powerful. You see, the power of the chair was about the “glory days” he felt while using it in ways that would not have been possible without this chair. Even if it was for just a short time.

I hope you find those moments as well! I will leave one last thought, below, which I whole-heartedly believe:

“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” Author unknown

Best wishes for you as you embark on this journey with this chair!

In 2019, reuse programs saved individuals and families over $30 million nationwide. If you have durable medical equipment you or a loved one is no longer using, consider donating to your state reuse program. The impact is profound.