Vehicles for Change Partners with Ronald McDonald House to Help Family Achieve Health and Independence

Vehicles for Change (VFC) today awarded a car to a family residing at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore (RMHCB) that will help the family maintain employment and gain financial independence as they continue to seek medical care for their 5-year-old daughter at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Originally from Nigeria, Caleb and Belynda Olawuyi left their family, friends and careers behind to seek the best medical care for their daughter, Kiki. Born without a skull due to congenital cranial deficiency, the Olawuyi’s moved to the U.S. in 2013, staying at RMHCB as Kiki underwent surgery by Dr. Ben Carson at Hopkins. As Kiki continues to receive medical care at Hopkins, Caleb and Belynda have done everything in their power to sustain a better quality of life for their two children. Both well educated, Caleb and Belynda are currently employed as certified nursing assistants.

“We are delighted that a partnership between Baltimore-based Vehicles for Change and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore has resulted in a car for the Olawuyi family,” said Sandy Pagnotti, president of RMHCB. “This vehicle will help get mom and dad to their respective jobs, transport their children to school, and help the family settle into life in Baltimore while Kiki receives ongoing medical attention at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.”

Due to Kiki’s condition, the family was in dire need of a handicap accessible vehicle—a public donation that is often hard to come by. VFC was able to secure a 2005 Chrysler/Dodge with wheelchair access for the Olawuyi family, putting them on the path toward financial independence and a better quality of life.

“At VFC we understand access to transportation is often an underpinning of financial independence,” said VFC President Marty Schwartz. “Immediately upon hearing of this family’s hardships, and Caleb and Belynda’s dedication to providing the best life possible for their children, we knew they were perfect candidates for our car award program.”

Please direct all media inquiries and requests to Josie Hankey at 410-420-2001 or by email at josie.hankey@fallstongroup.com.