Mount Pleasant Church in Terre Haute, Indiana, has launched a compassionate initiative to assist families facing the financial burden of medical equipment for their children. By producing 3D-printed wheelchairs, the church aims to provide affordable solutions for families in need. Each wheelchair costs approximately $150 to manufacture using a 3D printer, which combines several printed plates designed by MakeGood, a non-profit that helps distribute 3D printing resources globally.
Jess Berryhill, the church’s student and special needs minister, emphasizes the dual benefits of this initiative—not only do these chairs help the children who require them, but they also alleviate some of the overwhelming medical costs families often face. The 3D-printed wheelchairs serve as training chairs before families transition to more permanent solutions, giving children essential mobility while offering reassurance to their families.
The church plans to produce these wheelchairs on an as-needed basis and seeks collaborations with local physical therapists and professionals to ensure these resources reach families effectively. Each wheelchair takes several hours to create, can support individuals weighing up to 200 pounds, and the church invites interested families to connect with them for assistance.
To learn more about Mount Pleasant Church and their various service projects, visit their website. For further information on the 3D printing initiative by MakeGood, you can find it here.