Our Why

A WORD FROM OUR DIRECTOR

Dear Friends and Supporters of Wings Aloft,

We are deeply grateful for your continued support and the outpouring of care you have shown throughout this year. For many of us on the Wings Aloft team, this has been a season of profound challenge and loss. With the passing of my son, Jayden Tsotsoros, and Dr. Lynn Jeffries—a founder, board member, and dear friend—we took time to be with our families and begin the process of healing. During this difficult period, we have been truly comforted by the prayers, messages, and compassion shared by so many of you.

Jayden and Lynn both loved Wings Aloft deeply and served on multiple trips to Kenya. Their passion for this mission continues to guide and strengthen our commitment to serving people with disabilities in underserved communities. To honor the legacies of these two special people, our commitment and resolve to advancing this work have only grown stronger.

As we look ahead to 2026, we are hopeful and excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for Wings Aloft and the individuals and communities we serve— all made possible by your ongoing partnership and generosity.

We ask that you continue to keep our team and families in your thoughts and prayers as we move gently through this holiday season.

Thank you for standing with us and for your faithful support.

With gratitude,

Jessica Tsotsoros

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GUATEMALA MAY 2025

After our Kenya trip in March of this year, where we traveled to 10 locations with 28 clinicians, and provided assessments and mobility devices to over 100 children, we continued our mission in Guatemala.  Wings Aloft partnered with Rockhurst University, RECLAIM, and Beeline Wheelchairs.

Jonathan and Kristi Biggers and Beeline Wheelchairs hosted our team, which included two students from Rockhurst University, an interpreter, Juanita Hinckley (Wings Aloft supporter and team member on multiple trips), Liz Zayat (faculty and long-time team member with Wings Aloft), and Jessica Tsotsoros.

A few pictures above of our time in Guatemala including:

• Working alongside therapists and wheelchair techs
• Building and modifying wheelchairs, standing frames, and walkers made by Beeline
• Providing assessments to help understand the needs of the family/child
• Training for the Beeline team on  the Wheelchair Components Questionnaire to help improve the usability and durability of wheelchairs
• Continuing treasured partnerships!
• Enjoying some traditional Guatemalan cooking at the home of Jonathan and Kristi!

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WHAT IS NEW WITH WINGS ALOFT

Throughout the year, the Wings Aloft team works on projects to continue the mission to Propel Participation and Unleash Potential.

Here are just a few:

• Power Wheelchair Add-on Design
• Mobile Clinic Development
• New Technology for tracking in rural clinics

Power Wheelchair Add-on Design

Partnering with a local robotics team to develop a power mobility component to attach to manual wheelchairs freely available in Kenya, using locally sourced equipment.  Version 1.o

Mobile Clinic Planning

A mobile clinic is needed

to reach remote areas with wheelchairs, tools, and a team of clinicians. We are working with our partners to fundraise, plan, and customize.

New Technology for Rural Clinics

We are currently working with an electronic medical records company that specializes in rural clinics to track data in areas without internet or electricity. Two outcome tools are already loaded and ready to trial.  

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WHAT YOUR SUPPORT CAN DO!

Mobility means opportunity. This year, we partnered with communities to expand access to wheelchairs, education, and clinical expertise. Your end-of-year gift helps us continue this work into the year ahead as we plan for our international programs.  We have some BIG goals, which also require BIG support. Please take a look at our 2024 Impact Report at the end of this newsletter. The 2025 report is coming soon.

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A VERY SPECIAL VISIT

In October, we had the pleasure of hosting our friend and Wings Aloft partner, Luke McAuley, OT, a full-time missionary in Kenya who works as an occupational therapist. Luke uses his skills as an Occupational Therapist to improve the lives of people with disabilities by providing therapy services and directing a postgraduate OT program he designed for Kenyan OTs.  

While in Oklahoma, he attended a wheelchair conference and met with multiple groups to share about his family’s mission.

We are so appreciative of our hosts – Cristi Carnahan, Liz Zayat, Anne McCoy, Jeff and Megan Whitehead, and Action Seating and Mobility

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Thank You for Being Part of Our Journey!

With each wheelchair delivered and each life touched, we see the profound impact of your support. Together, we’re creating a world where everyone can thrive.

Ways to Join us!

• Join our prayer team
• Serve with us: We are planning our next trip for Summer 2026!
• Invite us to a “Seat at Your Table” hosting a small gathering where we can share the Wings Aloft story with your friends at your dinner table.
• Ask us how to volunteer stateside