I owe a big post about Andrei’s powerchair controls, Olga’s trip to Moldova, and all the work that went into that project! But as a quick note, I’ll just say we got the improved gear to Andrei!
Olga spent several days in his small town in the north western corner of Moldova, setting up the controls and testing various options for joystick, seating, and positioning. Andrei is now set up with a chin controlled joystick for the chair and I believe also for gaming.
Olga’s mom, and her mom’s boyfriend, also came along since they were in Moldova too. They were able to help out with some improvements to the ramp in and out of the house, and just to hang out, make friends, and make the celebration even nicer.
I want to tell this story in photos!
Olga leaving from San Francisco airport. Not shown: enormous rolling suitcase full of wheelchair modification stuff!
The very sturdy, custom built powerchairs at the airport in Istanbul! They don’t bother with manual chairs, I think, and have these absolute beasts of powerchairs. You can put bags on the back ledge or even stand on it. Olga was impressed I think.
Andrei in the chair, the first time they got the new chin control joystick working. You can read a lot into his smile.
Andrei and his dog Bobby hitting the open road. Honestly it still gives me chills because I think of the times I have had weeks or longer in bed or at home. Going out for the first time after that, the world seems so big and loud and vibrant, the colors amazing. everything is moving, the sky feels huge and I always have huge feelings about it. It can’t be taken for granted!!! I am glad the world is now at Andrei’s feet.
Olga, Maria (Andrei’s mom), Margarita (Olga’s mom) and Slava. Olga’s mom was in Moldova in the capital, visiting her boyfriend and they drove up to Andrei’s village to help out. The families became friends over the few days they were together working on the chair, and on some small modifications to the house!
A recent shot of Andrei in high visibility jacket, out with his dog riding in a specially rigged up backpack. I like the bright yellow!
Thank you everyone who contributed — We had so many donors giving what they could to make this happen! And especially, thanks to Levan, Bruce, and Rose from Easy Does It Services for all the hours of work they put in, Olga for all of her coordination, repair, testing, and the trip itself — with help, advice, and gear contributed as well from Vince from ILRCSF and Morgan, John, and Ash from the CIL.
Andrei is working on getting his Romanian citizenship confirmed and also — if you check our “Team” page — he is now working for GOAT as a consultant! He is a good sys admin/ IT person (which we need – I have no time!!) and so nice to hang out with (virtually, on telegram) and I’m also enjoying his posts on this blog — we’re all looking forward to more collaboration!