#YourStory – Making a difference
“Once I was stable and able to walk again, the purpose of the foundation extended to support people with disabilities."
Ms Michelle Vinokur (34) heads the Chazac Charity Foundation, an organisation which was formed in 2009 to assist people living with disabilities.
In 2009 she lost her ability to walk from a sclerosis relapse.
Two of the fathers from the school where she worked came together and formed the Chazac Foundation to support her.
“Once I was stable and able to walk again, the purpose of the foundation extended to support people with disabilities by providing them with equipment and emotional purpose,” said Ms Vinokur.
On May 20, Glenoaks Remedial School hosted an assembly where they handed over two wheelchairs to Ms Vinokur.
“It was an overwhelming experience to be part of the initiative; to have the knowledge that the school collected 450kg of bottle tops to purchase wheelchairs shows determination and motivation,” said Ms Vinokur.
“The wheelchairs will be donated to two old women who don’t have the ability to use their legs. I look forward to assisting people with disabilities by providing them with what they need,” said Ms Vinokur.
“My challenge during my first relapse was to be treated and at the same time write my final teaching examinations.
“I succeeded in both. I graduated with distinction and overcame my relapse, getting my body back to its original level of function. The journey was not easy but it gave me an opportunity to realise how short life is. It also gave me the opportunity to help people who might be going through similar problems,” said Ms Vinokur.
