Brian Cornell

Brian knew what he wanted to do when he was a child. He wanted to drive a semi. He realized his dream by getting his CDL in 1994. Within a year he had purchased his own truck, with plans to eventually add more trucks. This all changed a few months later when he was paralyzed in a swimming accident. Brian didn't give up his dream, he just had to adjust it. Just being able to drive at all was his new dream. With Brian's personal strength & determination he achieved that goal in 2001. With help from a Swanville Lion's Club fundraiser & Stearns County, Brian was able to purchase a van & get his driver's license. 

This was perfect timing since 2001 was an eventful year for Brian. He got married, gained two stepsons & had a daughter. That van carried all of them to many family trips & school sporting events, as well as his many trips to the grocery store. So many things were taken away from Brian after his accident, but with his van he could regain much of his independence as well as feel helpful to the family. 

Last August Brian hit another "bump in the road" when his adaptive equipment quit working on his van. The company that manufactures the system refused to fix the old one or install a new system due to liability because of the age of the van & the age of the equipment. This meant Brian had to get a new van and all new equipment. No one would have guessed that the cost of that would equal the price of a brand new jaguar ($95,000). Stearns County was able to contribute $40,000, but the other $55,00 would have to be covered by a personal loan.  Brian works as much as he can, with his physical limitations, but the new van has put a big strain on Brian & his family financially. Please consider even a small contribution to help ease the burden for Brian.