Wheels of Hope: How Tulane’s Revolutionary Chairs Are Changing Young Lives
Every parent dreams of seeing their child explore the world freely, taking small yet significant steps toward independence. But for families like Jackson’s and Sebastian’s, that dream seemed far out of reach—until a group of compassionate minds at Tulane University decided to rewrite their stories.
A Journey of Hope for Jackson
Jackson, a tender four-year-old, has faced challenges that many of us could scarcely imagine. Born with a muscular condition and developmental delay, Jackson has never walked or spoken. Despite these obstacles, his bright eyes reveal an indomitable spirit, a spirit his parents have cherished through every trial.
This year, Tulane presented Jackson with a beautifully designed wheelchair—a gift not only of mobility but of possibility. The chair, crafted by dedicated university students under the guidance of Noam Platt, became a lifeline for Jackson.
For the first time, Jackson could sit up on his own. With the newfound freedom to move, he began to grow stronger. Today, Jackson can stand with the help of a walker—a milestone his parents never thought possible. Grateful and overwhelmed, they gave the product an A+, but it’s the smile on Jackson’s face that speaks volumes.
Sebastian’s New Perspective
Sebastian’s story is equally moving. Born prematurely at just 24 weeks, his life has been a battle from the beginning. At 15 months, Sebastian relied on assistance to breathe and eat. Sitting up was beyond his capability, leaving him unable to experience the world from a different angle.
That all changed when Sebastian received his very own custom wheelchair from Tulane. For the first time, he could sit up and see the world with fresh eyes. His parents describe the chair as a beacon of joy—a transformative gift that brought light into their lives.
Every parent dreams of seeing their child explore the world freely, taking small yet significant steps toward independence. But for families like Jackson’s and Sebastian’s, that dream seemed far out of reach—until a group of compassionate minds at Tulane University decided to rewrite their stories.
The Heart Behind the Design
These wheelchairs are more than just medical devices; they are tangible expressions of love and generosity. Noam Platt, inspired by a design he discovered on an Israeli website, brought the idea to Tulane. Each chair costs less than $200 to build—a fraction of the $1,000–$10,000 price tag charged by insurance companies. The best part? These chairs are provided entirely free of charge.
Tulane’s students volunteer their time to assemble the chairs, signing their names on the bottom as a personal touch. Each chair even comes with a custom name tag, making it uniquely special for its recipient.
A Lesson in Cheerful Giving
Reflecting on this initiative, Noam shared, “These chairs are necessary tools for kids to build independence and strength to get them ready for a larger, typical wheelchair.” But beyond functionality, these chairs are a symbol of selfless giving.
The biblical truth of “God loves a cheerful giver” shines through the efforts of these students and their professor. They have modeled what it means to serve with love, impacting not just the children but everyone who hears their stories.
