Wheelchair cheers

THE LIVES of more than 100 people got a little more comfortable yesterday as businesswoman Hannah Janoura distributed more than 100 wheelchairs for people in need in front her business place on Sackville Street, Port of Spain.

Janoura, with support from her brother George and others, made Christmas a little brighter for people such as amputees Lennox Watts and Tricia Charles.

Watts, 61, who had to cut off one of his legs because of diabetes three months ago said, “It has been very difficult for me in many ways. I can’t work and maintain my family. (This will help me) move around a little bit and go to the doctor.”

Watts, who thinks it will be difficult for him to continue his job as a painter, is grateful for the assistance.

“Thank you very much Miss Janoura. Glad to be here on this Holy morning and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” Watts said.

Charles was thankful saying, “I feel very much appreciated because the one that I have it’s starting to mash up.”

Charles said more can be done to improve the lives of people with disabilities. “We don’t have a long way to go, but we have some way to go. I am very much grateful for that (help today).”

Charles, a 45-year-old nursing assistant, has only been in a wheelchair for the past six months and is now finding her way again. “I am coping well with it because I am back out to work,” she said.

Charles has also gotten support from the doctor she works with.

Janoura, asked how does it feel to change the lives of people said, “It’s beautiful, on a beautiful morning with blue skies over us. It is such a beautiful day and I am so happy to do what I am doing.”

Janoura said more must be done to improve the lives of people in need. She said, “I think it is time that we do a little more for the people that are in need like what we have done here...one morning I got up and I decided I am going to get wheelchairs and that is two years ago.” Janoura, who has given out over 300 wheelchairs since she started this initiative said, “maybe next year it might be 200 I don’t know.”