In the heart of Barrio La Carreta, a small neighborhood in Liberia, Guanacaste, lives José Ramón Córdoba – an 88-year-old man with a humble wooden home, a bright spirit, and twelve cats he lovingly cares for.
Despite facing financial hardship and physical limitations, José Ramón’s heart remains full. When the local organization Castraciones Liberia launched a sterilization campaign for stray and companion animals, volunteers from the Do It Foundation took notice – not just of the cats, but of José himself.
Moved by his story, a Do It Foundation team member recognized another urgent need: José Ramón’s wheelchair was in poor condition and needed to be replaced. The team quickly coordinated with local volunteers to arrange a visit and deliver a new wheelchair, free of charge.
When we arrived, they found José Ramón waiting with warmth and enthusiasm, seated in a worn rocking chair and surrounded by several of his feline companions. He greeted them with a smile that defied the challenges he’s faced – including the loss of a leg due to a bacterial infection.
We are so grateful to have been in the position to help José Ramón and deliver his new wheelchair. His story offers more than gratitude; it is a powerful reminder that joy, humor, and kindness can survive even the hardest of circumstances. José Ramón’s resilience, love for his animals, and positive outlook left a lasting impression on every one of us.
This is the heart of the Do It Foundation, a Scheman Family Foundation: delivering not only mobility and support, but restoring dignity and hope in the lives of people who need it most.
Want to help us continue stories like José Ramón’s?
The Do It Foundation, a Scheman Family Foundation, was founded by John Scheman, philanthropist to improve health, education, and mobility for underserved communities across Costa Rica. Since 2005, we’ve delivered over 30,000 wheelchairs, supported hundreds of schools and clinics, and helped more than 100,000 people lead fuller, more independent lives.
To learn more about our mission and the story behind our work, visit our About page.
To help us continue making a difference, make a donation today. Your support provides life-changing mobility, dignity, and hope for the people and communities of Guanacaste.
