Valley boy gets custom wheelchair

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Israel Gagnon wasn't always a happy, smiling boy.

"Here's a kid from four months ago was caged in almost like an animal within a crib and never allowed outside," said Stacey Gagnon, Israel's mother.

He was born with Spina bifida in Eastern Europe and before being adopted, his chances at a good life were slim.

"At birth, he was placed in an orphanage because they don't value any child with a disability and they're not able to care for them," Stacey said.

The community helped raised $34,000 so Stacey and her family could bring him home to Arizona.

But Israel needed more help so he could get around better and that's when Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities, a non-profit organization, kicked in.

"We were able to give him a custom wheelchair to give him back his independence and mobility," Jennifer Rogers said.

Israel just got to the states three months ago and just got his wheelchair two weeks ago and already knows some tricks.

"This wheelchair has been incredible," Stacey said. "This is freedom for him, like I said, he's never been outside. He's never been outside until we picked him up."

Israel still has many firsts to experience for a lot of things, but now, it will make it a lot easier having this wheelchair to get him there.

For more information on Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities, click here.