How empathy and generosity can keep us fully charged

I write a lot about my able-bodied friends and the ways they care for me. But sometimes the person who can offer the best support and help is disabled as much, if not more, than me. I have many stories snuggly tucked up my sleeves, but I’d like to share one with you this week from my most recent adventure.

Earlier this month, I took a trip to England with my dad and my friend Anna — my first overseas adventure. I’m posting my photos on my Instagram account (you have to follow me to see them) and will be reflecting on the experiences we had on my personal blog, so feel free to check those out for all the details.

I did as much research and planning as possible beforehand, compiling all the wisdom from previous trips that offered lessons on traveling with a disability, a power wheelchair, and everything else that comes with it. As an adult with SMA, I found it particularly helpful to read articles and posts by more seasoned disability travelers such as Cory Lee, Simply Emma, and this website’s Halsey Blocher.

I was able to book accessible accommodations and transportation and scoped out all the wheelchair-friendly things to do. I triple-checked that I packed my handy little portable wheelchair charger to take everywhere with me so I’d never run out of power.

Recommended Reading

June 16, 2025 News by Lindsey Shapiro, PhD

Muscle composition improves for children on Spinraza: Study

Batteries included (eventually)

At the end of our second day of travel, we finally got settled in our amazing apartment in Scarborough and plugged in my battery charger to give my wheelchair some much-needed power. The explosive “pop!” that instantly issued from the box made me cringe.

Just like that, the inside of the charger was fried and melted beyond repair. I didn’t anticipate this malfunction and didn’t have a contingency plan for it, but I knew that if I didn’t have power the next day, I’d be grounded, and the trip would be spoiled.

In the morning, my dad prayed over us, that we’d trust God and that he’d provide what we needed. I called the two mobility shops in town, neither of which were able to offer any sort of assistance. Then I went online and ordered a new charger that I was told would be delivered by the end of the next day. Feeling that we’d done all we could, and also feeling ravenously hungry, we took the bus into town to get something to eat.

While we were having our coffee and cheese and onion toasties for brunch, Anna spotted a man on the sidewalk just outside the cafe, riding in a wheelchair that looked much like mine. She and Dad ran out to talk to him and told him our story, asking if he knew of anything that might help us.

Steve Parker was his name, and he understood the gravity of our situation. In fact, he had two spare chargers at his house, only 10 minutes away. He was happy to loan us one for the duration of our stay, and he’d meet us at the public library in one hour to give it to us.

And he did! I got to meet him there and thank him, and we offered to pay him for the trouble. But he waved that off, smiled, and in his lovely Yorkshire accent said, “We’re meant to spread th’ joy!”

Steve’s charger allowed us to do all the things we’d planned to do that day and the next, without running out of power. My new charger did arrive at our apartment the next afternoon, and before we left Scarborough, we met up with Steve to return his and express our deep gratitude.

When we reflected on it later, we were all overwhelmed because the situation could’ve devastated our trip, but God did provide, surprisingly quickly and in the most unconventional way. I’m so thankful Steve was out and about that morning, that he empathized with our plight, and that he was kind and generous enough to be a part of the solution.

Note: SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of SMA News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to spinal muscular atrophy.