I used to live in Boston, and can attest that the city is filled with big-hearted folks who just want to do the right thing. So, I wasn’t entirely surprised to read about all the Good Samaritans who stepped forward when they learned that Mohamed Elawad, an eight-year-old disabled boy, lost his wheelchair (or possibly even had it stolen from outside his home).
“All this little boy is asking for is access to society,” restaurateur Wioletta Zywina, who raised $1,600 for little Mohamed, told the Boston Herald. “He’s asking for so little.”
He’s asking for so little — but amazingly getting so much! Turns out one generous dude, philanthropist Ray Tye, plans to shell out the full $4,000 for a replacement wheelchair and will use his connections to get it made fast — because Mohamed can’t attend school until he has it again. Mohamed has struggled with an enzyme deficiency disorder since he was four and the wheelchair provides him with much-needed mobility.
The soon-to-arrive new wheelchair means the family technically doesn’t need all the donations pouring in from everyone else, which is exactly why Mohamed’s dad urges people to donate the money they would have given to his son to a local charity instead.
“I know other people need it more than we do,” said Yasir Elawad, a taxi driver who lives in a working-class neighborhood.
In other happy news, we have to give the father props for refusing to believe his son’s chair was stolen. Instead, he has a more innocent explanation. He believes the garbage men simply grabbed it by mistake.
With a great father and generous neighbors Mohamed might have his struggles, but he’s fortunate to have so much support.
Photo courtesy of jvangalen via stock.xchang.
