Brazilian families rally for wheelchair aid for disabled children

Father Derek Cruz in Praia Grande, Brazil, built a 3D‑printed wheelchair for his four‑year‑old daughter Sky after waiting more than a year for a government‑provided device. Using a free design from the company MakeGood, he printed the chair in about 40 days, costing roughly R$1,200 in materials, far less than commercial alternatives. The project attracted over 60,000 social‑media followers and sparked a broader movement to help other families with special‑needs children.

Separately, a community fundraising campaign has been launched for six‑year‑old Benjamin, who suffers from the rare KCNT1 disorder and severe epileptic encephalopathy. The campaign seeks donations to purchase an adapted wheelchair, foot orthoses, and hand splints needed before his upcoming hip surgery. Benjamin relies on a gastrostomy tube and tracheostomy for daily care, and the equipment is essential for his post‑operative recovery and quality of life.