IMPACT STORIES
At STLHELP, every wheelchair, walker, and hospital bed tells a story—not just of equipment, but of renewed independence, comfort, and dignity. Behind every donation and every delivery is a neighbor whose life has been changed: a grandparent able to remain at home, a child with special needs gaining mobility, a family relieved of financial burden. These are the stories of resilience, kindness, and community that show what happens when people come together to make a difference. We invite you to read and be inspired.
Pictured is Johnathan and his mother Davina. The Fenton family got Johnathan moving, despite long waits and denials. He is now part of a softball team with his twin brother!
Meeting the Needs of Children with Special Needs
Healthcare in the United States is complicated. While STLHELP serves many seniors, children with special needs face unique challenges—especially when it comes to medical equipment. Kids grow quickly, often outgrowing wheelchairs and walkers long before insurance will approve a replacement. Specialized pediatric equipment is also expensive, and even when covered, copays can be overwhelming. STLHELP provides a common-sense solution: quick access to lightly used, refurbished equipment that families regularly donate, allowing us to clean, inspect, and give it away to the next child in need—completely free of charge.
Long Waits, Quick HELP
Parents and healthcare providers across the region tell us that wait times for pediatric equipment can stretch for months. Some children outgrow their new wheelchair before it even arrives. Even worse, families are often told they must wait at least a year before insurance will pay for another piece of equipment. In these cases, STLHELP steps in—providing a fast, reliable, and compassionate solution. Whether the equipment is needed temporarily or long-term, we are often the only resource available to make sure a child can keep up with school, share a family dinner, or simply participate in day-to-day life.
Protecting Progress
For children with special needs, waiting for equipment isn’t just inconvenient—it can mean losing hard-earned progress. Toddlers and school-aged children working to walk risk serious setbacks if they don’t have the right supports at the right time. Too often, insurance will cover only one of the two specialized devices required for walking, leaving families without options. STLHELP helps fill that gap, ensuring that local children don’t lose their chance to learn, grow, and move forward.
A Growing Community of Support
As more families recognize STLHELP as a lifeline, many are now donating the pediatric equipment their children have outgrown—sometimes items used for only a few months. These generous gifts mean another child in the St. Louis region can thrive with the right equipment, right when it’s needed most. Together, we are creating a cycle of support that gives children with special needs the opportunity to move, learn, and live fully.
Rae, 8, and her mom Sara Glasscock at STLHELP. Rae has wheels now with her tricycle from STLHELP!