Billy Hunsberger's attempt to walk again.

My lifelong friend, Ed Iannarella, once taught English at Central Junior High School in Sharon Hill, PA. Ed asked me to share the following story.

I am sending this to my friend Knox so that we can get a Gofundme link.

My Favorite student was a young 14-year old Billy Hunsberger. Billy was born with Cerebral Palsy, but with leg braces and a strong will, he showed the world he had arrived and was ready for all life could bring his way. Never one to complain about his disability, he went on to Sharon Hill High School where he played football for coach Bill Cubit. At the last game ever played for Sharon Hill High (@home Vs. Lansdowne), Billy even caught a touchdown pass that captured the hearts of all who were there! My buddy Knox was one of the spectators at the game. It was in fact, the last touchdown ever caught at Sharon Hill H.S field as the school soon after merged into Academy Park.

Billy grew up, got married and has 1 daughter. Life was never as easy for him as for those of us who take walking for granted. He has had ongoing challenges over the years but was proud of his ability to get around on his own. About a year ago, a medical condition caused his legs to stop functioning and he spent far too much of his time in bed or a wheelchair. His goal is to rehab his legs 3X per week in hope that he can walk again, but he needs help. Wheelchair-bound, he is unable to get from his home entrance down several steps to street level where he could then be driven to therapy. The drivers (to therapy) are not allowed to assist Billy legally, and with his wife working, his only current option is to stay home and dream about walking again one day. With the help of 2 of my close friends, Tom Hauer and Tom Abaldo (of who also taught Billy), we have done some work to determine the cost of an outdoor elevator to allow Billy the chance to regain his independence with the help of therapists. We 1st tried measuring for a ramp, but the property's logistics don't work.

We recognize there are difficult times for many of us, but if you are able, here is a link to a Go Fund Me page that will allow you to help us help Billy. If you or anyone you know can help, we thank you from deep within our hearts!

Since I am fighting late-stage cancer, I have asked Knox Owsley to administer the gofundme website where any contributions can be made. The website charges a 2.7% fee on all contributions which is small in comparison to other charitable organizations.

Thank you for listening and we wish you a Healthy New Year. Ed Iannarella