TWO bright sixth formers at Immaculate Conception High School in St Andrew know the pain of being disabled but want to make life easier for those who end up with a disability.

The two friends — Sarai Watson and Kayla Williams — have started a charity called Limitless Wheels, – with the aim of “putting smiles on faces nationwide and encourages everyone to move forward, regardless of the struggles they may face”.

So far, the charity, with the support of family members and friends, has donated three wheelchairs and a walker to people in need.

The presentations, which took place between August and November, have been made to Mr Alva in Spanish Town; Audrey Craig in Spanish Town; Nadine Smikle in Trench Town; and Euvannie Brown in Trench Town. The youngsters were so eager to make their first presentation to Mr Alva on August 30 that they did not get his last name.

Targeting the needy, selection of recipients is done through referrals – mainly through word of mouth and at their church. Following interviews with individuals who make referrals and the beneficiary’s family members, an assessment is done based on need.

“Experiencing life as a disabled individual is not only physically challenging but also mentally and emotionally taxing. Maintaining comfort while being disabled is difficult and often an expensive endeavour that many people consider impossible. This is where Limitless Wheels comes in – a Jamaican organisation dedicated to making the lives of the less fortunate more beautiful,” said Watson while quoting the charity’s mission statement.

“My friend Sarai was wheelchair-bound for a couple of years due to problems with her legs. I as well struggle with disabilities, although not as visible. I have two autoimmune diseases [fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis] that have affected me severely since I was 11. So with our shared experiences with our own disabilities we acknowledged the widespread issues with not only the lack of accessibility in Jamaica, but the ignorance that came with it a lot of the time. We decided we wanted to change that, and in turn we made this initiative. Our goal is to raise awareness, build a community that uplifts and empowers disabled persons and donate assistive devices to persons in Jamaica who can’t afford it. Wheelchairs are the start, but we hope to branch out and be more inclusive with the needs of others in the near future, said Williams.

“Our aim is to donate wheelchairs, first aid kits, and more to people in need islandwide. Enjoying life is a fundamental human right, and achieving that requires the necessary support systems. Limitless Wheels aims to put smiles on faces nationwide and encourages everyone to move forward, regardless of the struggles they may face,” Watson said.

Watson said she was in the wheelchair for three years, on and off, because of Blount’s disease and hyperplasticity of the ligaments, which caused instability in the knees.

Blount’s disease is a growth disorder that affects the bones of the lower leg, causing them to bow outward. It can affect people at any time during the growing process, but it’s more common in children younger than four and in teens.

“My recovery wasn’t smooth but I’m happy with where I am and I would say I’m okay for the most part. I do have occasional ‘relapses’ but nothing dire, thankfully,” said Watson.

People who are poor are the ones given first priority, the young women said. “If someone requires assistance or knows someone who does, they inform us, and we assess how we can help from there,” said Watson.

Marilyn McDonald Watson, Sarai’s mom, has been very supportive of her daughter and friend in their charity work.

“I encourage them to do good but tell them to manage their emotions because these situations can become overwhelming when you have to see sick people going through physical challenges. But it is encouraging when the recipients are appreciative and are positive,” said McDonald Watson.

Kayla Williams’ parents are also very supportive of the charity work of their daughter.

Asked how she coped when her daughter was in a wheelchair, McDonald Watson said: “Wow; it was very emotional and challenging but I had to stay as positive as possible so as not to pass on my negative energy to her. I always try to ensure she got the best treatments like physical therapy and doctors, both locally and overseas.”She is aware that wheelchair accessibility is limited locally, but expressed appreciation to Immaculate for the adjustments made to accommodate her daughter’s access. “Wheelchair ramps were put in place, and the school also made the effort to put all her classes on the lower floor,” said the appreciative mom.

At the same time, she said she is praying that Sarai stays healthy and does not have a major relapse so that she has to go back into a wheelchair.