David Carroll, a part-time technician with Chattanooga Goodwill Industries’ HELPs, has assisted more than 20,000 people receive free durable medical equipment in the six years he’s worked at the local nonprofit.
He’s hoping a few of them – and others – will now return the favor by helping him.
Chattanooga Goodwill has entered Mr. Carroll in an online contest to help him win a specially-equipped wheelchair accessible vehicle that will be given away by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, a non-profit organization focused on mobility options for people with disabilities. Now in its fourth year, the “Local Heroes” contest highlights stories of people with disabilities who need wheelchair accessible transportation. Vehicles will be awarded to four people selected by judges from a pool of the 10 top vote-getters.
Mr. Carroll’s 25-year-old van has about 250,000 miles on it and with mounting repairs, is busting the budget for this single father of a teenage daughter.
He’s a “high functioning quadriplegic,” the result of a car accident many years ago. Through determination and much hard work, Mr. Carroll has regained the use of one arm which enables him to repair, refurbish and sanitize medical equipment for HELPs. Last year, Goodwill’s Health Equipment Links Program services (HELPs) served 6,126 people with medical equipment and other needs.
Once registered at MobilityAwarenessMonth.com, supporters can find Mr. Carroll’s story under “Local Heroes” and cast a vote once a day. The contest runs through May 31.