Wheelchairs are wings.
In the world of wheelchairs, one size does not fit all. With the help of our partners, we make wheelchairs work for every body.
New Beginnings
The Ongoing Work of Eleanore’s Project
Eleanore’s Project in Peru 2025
In March 2025, 11 Eleanore’s Project volunteers spent two weeks in Lima, Peru participating in home visits, multiple workshops for YH therapists, customizing wheelchairs for 43 children and providing postural care instruction for their families.
From Annual Missions to Year-Round Impact:
A Sustainable New Chapter
From Annual Missions to Year-Round Impact: A Sustainable New Chapter
For over 20 years, two extraordinary weeks each spring defined our wheelchair program.
A dedicated team from the U.S. would travel thousands of miles, working tirelessly to fit 40–50 children with the mobility devices they so desperately needed. Families waited months—sometimes an entire year—for that moment of joy when their child could finally sit safely, move comfortably, and participate more fully in life and school.
Those weeks were beautiful. But we knew the children deserved more than a once-a-year miracle. Today, because of your generosity, something remarkable is happening.
Hope Every Friday
Beginning August 15, a small but mighty local team at Yanca Huasy began customizing wheelchairs every Friday, fitting two children each week.
Every Friday now carries the possibility of transformation.
Every Friday, a parent no longer has to wait a year.
Every Friday, a child receives the freedom and opportunity they deserve.
What once required a full international team can now happen right at home, guided by compassionate, well-trained professionals who know these families, walk with them, and will be there long after the chair is delivered.
Building A Future That Lasts
Your support has helped to create something bigger than any single mission trip could ever accomplish: the emergence of a truly sustainable, in-country program.
Local therapists are receiving international certification, supported by Eleanore’s Project and a new partnership with Cielo de Amor in Ecuador, staff at Yancan Huasy are strengthening clinical skills by partnering with therapists at other sites to share knowledge and expertise.
Potential new partnerships that could provide annual delivery of durable new wheelchairs.
In April 2026, a hands-on training week held in Lima, Peru will deepen expertise and ensure this program keeps growing.
This is change that lasts, and the impact donors like you make possible. This important Eleanore’s Project work is well underway, but continues to need your support to ensure lasting in-country impact.
Why We Exist
The Challenge
The World Health Organization estimates that over 70 million people, including children and teens, need a wheelchair worldwide, yet only 5-15% have access to one. Without a wheelchair, the disabled children or teens we work with in Peru may only leave their homes if held or carried. As you can imagine, this makes it extremely difficult for families in under-resourced communities to fully include their disabled child in daily life, leading to emotional and physical isolation, and poorer health and educational outcomes.
What We Do
Our Solution
Since 2004, we’ve helped donate and custom-fit over 3,000 wheelchairs to children and teens in Peru with the help of our project partner Yancana Huasy. Eleanore’s Project is entirely volunteer run and we are proud of our resourcefulness, but there is still so much opportunity to help. Find out more about how we do our work, and then explore how you might help as a donor or a volunteer.
Our Stories
