Philadelphia Policeman Helps Amputee Receive Power Wheelchair from The Sco...( The SCOOTER Store Gift of Mobilit...),Health

The SCOOTER Store Gift of Mobility Answers Prayers of Disabled Philadelphia Woman

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "God is Good!" declares Stephanie Richardson, age 56, whose faith has carried her through many difficulties. Unable to stand or walk, and without any family, Ms. Richardson has spent the last ten years dependent on others for mobility and assistance. Happily, Ms. Richardson's prayers for mobility and independence were answered today when The SCOOTER Store delivered her a power wheelchair.

Ms. Richardson, whose legs and toes were amputated due to circulatory problems, has lived with a full-time caregiver since 1997. She has a difficult time using a manual wheelchair at home, and depends entirely on her caregiver for going outside.

Confirming her belief that "God works in mysterious ways," Ms. Richardson tells how a 9-1-1 call one night changed her life. Confused by her medication, she called for emergency help. Philadelphia Police Officer Edward Schikel responded and was shocked to find that Ms. Richardson lacked a power chair even though she was immobile. When he learned that insurance would not cover a power chair, and that she could not afford one, he vowed to try and get her a chair - even if it meant spending his own money.

Officer Schikel reached out to The SCOOTER Store for help. After two phone calls, Officer Schikel and Ms. Richardson were surprised to learn that The SCOOTER Store would give her a free power wheelchair as part of its "Gift of Mobility" program. Through the program, mobility equipment and assistance is donated to individuals who do not have the resources or insurance coverage to pay for it. Today, David Belrose, mobility manager of The SCOOTER Store's Philadelphia Distribution Center, delivered the power wheelchair to Ms. Richardson.

Ms. Richardson looks forward to going out on her own and getting back to church. She says that receiving the chair "is the best
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