Slavyansk, Ukraine – April 16, 2010 – Nina Antonova was born with cerebral palsy and has been in a wheelchair for all of her 23 years. Her mother and grandmother surround her with love in their apartment in Slavyansk, Ukraine, but she was unable to socialize with other children as she grew up. Summer was the only time of year her wheelchair could maneuver in the streets, and even then, they first had to carry her down two flights of stairs.

When her wheelchair broke, her mother could not afford to replace it, as the money from disability payments and Nina’s grandmother’s pension could only cover food and medicine.

But Nina is a member of the Slavyansk Municipal Association of NGOs for Disabled Persons, and that organization was about to receive a shipment of wheelchairs from International Relief & Development and the Judsonia Church of Christ, John Kachelman, Jr. When the shipment arrived in November 2009, Nina received a new wheelchair and crutches. She and her family were overjoyed.

“This gift makes my life so much easier and always reminds me that there are good people who care about people like me,” Nina explains. “Now I can move around my apartment and get outdoors, and I also can walk with crutches. Your assistance gave me freedom and mobility to communicate with other people. I truly appreciate the kind support and efforts of the Judsonia Church of Christ, John Kachelman, Jr. and IRD. And I want to thank all people who work in these organizations.”