More Than Wheelchairs: Janeth and Briyith Receive Support for a More Dignified Life

10 June, 2026

The 56-year-old woman has difficulty walking due to pulmonary fibrosis. The 10-year-old girl was born with a tendon condition that prevents her from doing so. The Rotary Club Santa Cruz donated the mobility assistance devices to both of them.

Two years ago, Janeth TĂłrrez stopped working as a house cleaner because of pulmonary fibrosis. She began experiencing difficulty breathing and would become exhausted with even the slightest effort, including speaking. In addition, she started losing a significant amount of weight: from 97 kilograms, she is now down to 35.

She lived in Cotoca until her strength gave out and she was diagnosed with the disease. Her brother had given her a small house so she would not have to rent in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, but she had to return to the city because she needed care. She now lives with one of her four daughters.

Mrs. Janeth, 56, began treatment through Bolivia’s Universal Health Insurance System (SUS), but later switched to the care of a pulmonologist at Hernández Vera Hospital. She knows her illness is incurable and degenerative. “Only God knows whether I will die from this or from something else. I trust in Him,” she says, speaking with difficulty due to fatigue.

Her medications are expensive, and on top of that come the costs of medical consultations, including psychiatric care. Chest, muscle, and joint pain, along with the frustration of no longer being able to care for herself independently, have led to episodes of anxiety.

In this condition, while walking only when absolutely necessary, she learned about the assistance provided by the National Safe Life Foundation through partner institutions. She submitted a letter requesting the donation of a wheelchair to help her move around more easily. The Rotary Club Santa Cruz delivered it to her recently.

“I am very grateful. I feel that it has eased my family’s burden a little. The wheelchair allows me to move around the house without becoming too tired,” says Mrs. Janeth, who now spends her time crocheting handmade items to sell and help cover household expenses.

Though physically frail due to the muscle mass she has lost, her desire to recover her health and continue living remains strong. She speaks with difficulty, but with hope.

That same hope was given to 10-year-old Briyith Soliz when she also received a wheelchair from Rotarian Fernando Soriano. Thanks to it, she can now attend school instead of being cramped into a baby stroller that someone had donated to her.

This year, Briyith began attending school because she wanted to accompany her twin sister, who is able to walk. Briyith was born with a tendon condition that prevents her from walking and playing like other children. She cannot even stand on her own. Her constant need for care, including assistance with personal hygiene, kept her away from the classroom for years.

Her situation came to the attention of a neighbor, who suggested that her mother seek assistance from the National Safe Life Foundation. The response went far beyond providing a wheelchair. Briyith will also receive medical care and psychological support as part of a comprehensive assistance program designed to improve her quality of life and provide greater opportunities for a better future.

Through initiatives like these, the Foundation reaffirms its commitment to people living in vulnerable circumstances. Its Executive Director, Julio CĂ©sar Caballero, emphasizes that collaborative work with partner institutions helps multiply the impact of solidarity and create opportunities for inclusion for those who need it most.

“We help one another in order to help others,” he says. “Every act of solidarity can make a meaningful difference in a person’s life.”