For the first time ever, Soulfree has completed the donation of 420 specially designed wheelchair cushions. After months of collecting data and doing extensive groundwork, the project was completed in the first week of February 2019. As the MRP of the cushion is ₹ 1850 per piece, this is a great achievement for us and we feel blessed to have accomplished this task.

WHY WHEELCHAIR CUSHIONS?

• Infected pressure sores are the primary cause of death in persons with spinal-cord injury.
• Pressure sores are wounds that develop when constant pressure or friction on one area of skin stops blood flowing normally, causing the cells to die and skin to break down.
• The main reason for the formation of pressure sores is immobility. Being bedridden and unable to move or being in wheelchair for long hours and not being able to shift one’s weight frequently enough to stop cell death due to lack of blood flow.
• Soulfree is sponsoring several airbeds every year to stop the formation of bed sores while lying down.
• However, we found that sitting for long hours also causes pressure ulcers and needs to be addressed

WHY THE ERGO AIR CUSHION?

It took us months to finalise on the ERGO air cushion. The criteria we were looking at are:

 
After thorough testing and comparing it with other more expensive gel cushions, we finally decided that ERGO really fits the bill. We are deeply grateful to Mr Abhay Mandot of Lifelinx for going beyond the call of duty to make this possible.

SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE ERGO AIR CUSHION:

• Orthopaedic Seat Cushion to help Sores, Tailbone Pain, and for use on Wheelchair for long hours.
• Made of High Density Ergonomically designed breathable Foam which is Durable and Long Lasting, helps in avoiding sores; Retains Shape Even After Long Hours of Use
• Scientifically designed to relieve pressure on the tail bone. Elevated design promotes correct spinal alignment for better posture.
• Unique cut out minimizes the pressure at coccyx region / Egg Shell Moulded polyurethane For Air Circulation
• Removable / Washable Cover

 
WHO IS BENEFITED?

We have chosen our 420 beneficiaries based on three main factors:

• Severity of the Injury – Those with greater risk factors such as higher level of injury and those with history of chronic bed sores have been given priority.
• Hours of Wheelchair Use – Preference has been given to those who sit for long hours of time performing some form of work.
• Economic Capacity – The combined family income of all our beneficiaries is less than ₹ 5000 per month.

 
HOW DID THIS BECOME POSSIBLE?

We have received a generous CSR contribution from CAMS for 200 wheelchair cushions. The rest of the 220 have come from individual contributors who have trusted Soulfree with their hard-earned funds. We wish to express our deepest gratitude to all our contributors and reiterate our 100% commitment towards improving the quality-of-life of persons living with spinal-cord injury in India.