Our Impact
Mobility support isn’t just for the aging population
Seven-year-old Chewya is a typical child - always on the go. However, while recovering from surgery, Chewya wasn’t able to move around as easily as before. That’s when her mom, Karla, came to The Lending Cupboard™.
Having borrowed in the past for Chewya, Karla came to our office and was immediately greeted by one of our volunteers. It wasn’t long before a suitable pediatric wheelchair was found. “The volunteer was super pleasant, and she explained to me how to return it when we are ready to do that,” she said.
“Chewya is always on the go, so the wheelchair allows us to take her out in the sunshine and have a lovely change of scenery! She loves to go to the pond in Westlake – which is a 15-minute walk for us.”
Dealing with all of the paperwork was pretty seamless, too. “It was all so positive, and I also just love that it’s mostly volunteers! They are so knowledgeable.”
Considering the costs of purchasing medical equipment in general makes the ability to borrow what you need that much more of a gift.
“It just takes something off of your plate – when you are dealing with medical issues, there is already enough on your plate,” explained Karla. Indeed - being able to lighten the load can certainly ease the stress.
“We really appreciate it!”
“Just the whole concept of how the organization has evolved – starting with one person and how it has grown with meeting the needs of the community,” she explained. “It all proves there is such a need in the community!”
Ensuring an entire family maintains independence
Over the years, Mary Jane has borrowed medical equipment for her daughter, her husband and most recently her mother-in-law.
“My youngest daughter, Kate, has some physical and developmental disabilities,” she explains, adding that while there has been some coverage for specialized medical, it falls short of what a family requires over the years.
“We did find, in a lot of instances, that if we were going to spend $1,000 for a bath seat, to purchase it brand new, in some cases we were able to find a similar one at The Lending Cupboard™,” she said.
As Kate matured, her needs changed along with the types of equipment that would best suit her. And so the family kept utilizing services at The Lending Cupboard™.
Mary Jane has also utilized our services for other family members, including her husband and mother-in-law. “My husband was ill, but he was also very disabled by his cancer,” she recalled. “He became weak very, very quickly because they had him on a lot of chemotherapy. We had to get equipment so that he could stay at home, so we borrowed a wheelchair, a walker, a bath chair – plus we bought a few pieces of equipment to help him get out of the bed.” Sadly, Mary Jane’s husband Ken also passed away in 2016.
Ultimately, Mary Jane noted how vital the services offered at TLC really are to the region overall.
“Anyone can have an injury in the blink of an eye, and it’s just so stressful. And of course there are people with chronic disability and illness. And then there are those like Anne who are aging, but were healthy and mobile all of their lives. All of a sudden they are having mobility concerns,” she explained.
“Red Deer is definitely so fortunate – the staff at The Lending Cupboard™ are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful,” she said. “They don’t just randomly give you equipment – they make sure that it’s fitted and appropriate for each of the clients that they serve.”
Meeting evolving medical needs, at any age
Little Kaycee, eight, came in with her mom Ashley for a wheelchair for her recovery from hip surgery. “We needed to get a wheelchair, and this is the best place to come for that,” said Ashley. Kaycee, who has had four reconstructive hip surgeries, was diagnosed with hip dysplasia when she was four - a condition affecting hip joint where the socket portion does not fully cover the ball portion of the upper thighbone.
This results in the dislocation of hip bone. “The femur pushes up,” explained Ashley. “So when she started walking, I noticed that she wasn’t putting her heel down.” Past surgeries have helped to essentially rebuild her entire hip. “She’s also had tendon and muscle surgeries to even everything out,” said Ashley. “So now that the front, back and side of her hip are rebuilt, and her muscles and tendons all line up and her leg is straight, she will have a leg extension surgery.”
Kaycee is an amazing little girl! Even though she faces a lengthy recovery, her joy, energy and sunny attitude are infectious! She faces her challenges with a grace and courage that are truly beyond her years.
In the meantime, Ashley is grateful for TLC and the volunteers that help to make each visit a seamless and very positive experience.
“It’s a great place to come, especially for people who just need some equipment for the short term,” she said. “It doesn’t set you back financially. And the volunteers are great! They are so happy and positive, and they make you feel comfortable. It’s always been a great experience.”
Kaycee agreed. “I love it! I love that you guys help people in need who need this stuff! And I also love that you guys are awesome!” We feel the same way about you, Kaycee!
Our impact would not be possible without your support
There are many ways that you can choose to support The Lending Cupboard™, and people like
Chewya, Mary Jane and Kaycee.