August 5, 2026
A dirty wheelchair is often a sign of a life well lived. But getting it cleaned up is another story. Cars can go through a car wash. Even pets have washing stations. But this most essential piece of equipment is often without options.
That’s why last Friday, REquipment tried something new: a Wheelchair Wash in Boston.
The event was part program service day, part Disability Pride celebration, and part opportunity to spread the word about our program and incredible reuse community. What we didn’t anticipate was just how much fun we’d have on a beautiful summer day at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf.
Group homes brought residents. REquipment program users came just to spend time with the program they love. One wheelchair user came simply to donate $5 to REquipment—no wheelchair wash necessary. MassAbility Commissioner Toni Wolf stopped by to join the festivities.
And one family, whose child is rapidly outgrowing mobility equipment, happened upon us by chance. They left with goodie bags full of stickers and brochures—after getting a bit teary from learning how REquipment is here to help.
And talk about Disability Pride! So many people were out and about, curious to learn more, that our partner, the Boston Marriott Long Wharf, ran inside to grab their own outreach table for their Bonvoy rewards program. That’s Disability at the center, not the margins.
Passersby stopped to see what all the excitement was about, and many stayed to chat and learn about equipment reuse and Run the Gamut’s services. REquipment CEO Adriana Mallozzi laughed her head off as the wheels of her own chair were sprayed down on this hot summer day.
Meanwhile, REquipment technicians Anthony Caledron-Diaz and Jim Riel were delighted to be working outdoors alongside community members. Anthony, who has delivered equipment for many years, had an especially meaningful reunion. A program user rolled up in the wheelchair Anthony had delivered five years earlier and practically fell into his arms. Anthony—always a friendly face and spirit—was remembered for bringing that chair when it was needed most.
Huge thank-yous are due to our incredible event partners. The Boston Marriott Long Wharf provided a beautiful waterfront location and generously fed our staff and volunteers.
Run the Gamut brought students who are building job skills through community service, and several were so enthusiastic they arrived early, eager to get started.
“It didn’t feel like work or service,” Run the Gamut’s Jackie Grant told us. “The day was just too much fun.”
The Marriott’s Sarah Perez agreed. “The energy throughout the event was amazing. We were honored to partner with REquipment and Run Gamut. Seeing the gratitude and smiles from those receiving wheelchair washes reminded us why community partnerships like these matter so much.”
If you missed this fabulous REquipment event, don’t worry—we’re already looking ahead.
Next up is our 1st Annual 5K Bob’s Way Run, Walk or Roll on September 12th in Boston. And yes, we absolutely plan to wash more wheelchairs in more communities, next time in combination with a Free-For-All device giveaway! Run the Gamut is already on board to help keep this good thing going.
As Adriana says, “These events are so important for raising awareness and building community. And a Wheelchair Wash is truly some good clean fun.”
Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.
