A new way to experience the world
Seven-year-old Arilise has never had a wheelchair. Born with a severe form of Cerebral Palsy, she experiences strong extensor tone, causing her body to arch backwards unless fully supported. For her parents, Simona and Vaipuna, everyday life has required constant care and adaptation.
Arilise is one of five children – with two sets of twins in the family, including siblings who are blind and living with autism. Despite their demanding professional roles, Simona and Vaipuna are deeply committed to giving each of their children the best possible life.
Until recently, Arilise spent most of her time at home in Tuvalu, unable to comfortably sit upright or easily leave the house.
That changed through cbm’s Disability Inclusive Pacific Humanitarian Action programme, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
With the support of experienced New Zealand therapist Debbie Wilson, local physiotherapists and technicians were trained to better support children with complex needs like Arilise. Following a full assessment, cbm provided a specialised tilt-in-space wheelchair and customised seating.
The transformation was immediate.
For the first time, Arilise could sit upright in comfort. Her face relaxed. She engaged with the world around her in a new way.
The very next day, her family took her to the market.
Her nanny shared that feeding time now takes half as long, thanks to her improved position. And most importantly, Arilise can now spend time outside, seeing, interacting, and enjoying life alongside her sisters.
For her parents, this is what they had hoped for all along – a more comfortable, connected, and joyful life for their daughter.