Medical/Dental Program

Recently, a very special resident received a long awaited gift, “An Electric Wheelchair”.

For over 3 1/2 years, BHC client, Susana Esquivel, has been bound to a manual wheelchair after a serious bout with diabetes that claimed her left leg. This did not stop the energetic and vibrant Susana, who desired to be able to function as normal as possible and not be a burden to anyone.

In 2008 Susana mentioned to the BHC Medical/Dental Coordinator that she would one day like to have an electric wheel chair. The staff from the BHC Social Services Department began to search for a wheelchair by placing the electric wheelchair on the BHC newsletter wish list. The wait for the wheelchair did not stop Susana’s determination to be ambulatory in any way; when she received a walker she requested, she was happy to receive it and stated “this will allow me to walk and get around without being in the wheel chair all day”. In spite of her disability, Susana never stopped and continued to share her big smile and willing spirit to jump right in and help wherever she could.

Susana is one of the leading ladies in our volunteers program who prepares our direct mail. She enjoys stuffing the envelopes and considers it a joy to help. The big day finally arrived in July 2009, when an electric wheelchair was donated. Both staff and onlookers who observed when Susana received her electric wheelchair were visibly moved to tears as her dream became reality. She was speechless and demonstrated her gratitude to everyone with hugs and tears.

It was particularly moving for the BHC staff members to see the life and situation of Susana evolve and transform with change. Having the wheelchair has allowed her to go off campus and explore the community. In our eyes she is a winner and a champion who is not afraid to show it. We applaud and congratulate you Susana. A very special thank you goes out to the donors.