Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Repulse Bay (Jan 28/02) - The agony of waiting is finally over for a 12-year-old Repulse Bay boy.

Yohan Grandjambe suffers from congenital muscular dystrophy. He can no longer walk and requires a wheel chair at all times.

Yohan's life took a turn for the worst almost four-months ago when his wheelchair required repair.

A mixup in communications with an airline forced him to wait until a few days ago for his chair to return.

During that time, Yohan had to give up almost all his extracurricular activities, including gym class at school and his weekly cadet meetings.

But that's all behind him now and the amicable young lad couldn't be happier that life is back to normal. The chair was returned to Repulse by Calm Air on Jan. 21.

Johan's mother, Leonie Aissaoui, said he was very excited when he heard his wheelchair was coming back.

She said he had a hard time sleeping the night of its arrival.

"Yohan was up earlier than usual the following morning and, despite the fact it was closed due to bad weather, he wanted to go to school to ride in his chair," says Aissaoui.

Johan's mother said she is thankful to the many people who showed sympathy to her problem and helped get the chair returned to Repulse.

She said she was amazed to see how a little bit of public information can get things moving.

After the publication of "Waiting for Wheels" in Kivalliq News (Jan. 16), "I received a call from Health and Social Services in Rankin Inlet to inform me about a supportive program that should start in March," she said.

"They are planning to make Yohan a priority as soon as the program starts and assess his needs. Piruqsaijit Ltd. in Rankin also called to say the company would like to pay for the transportation of the chair. I was surprised by this generous offer and pleased to know that some people do care."