Help Harrison Get Stronger

Let's help Harrison Lee, the heart and soul of the Lakewood Y. NOTE: See update March 23 below.

We come to you with some exciting news about Harrison's ongoing journey, and one (hopefully) final request.

Several months ago, Harrison received a notice from his landlord that his rent was to increase from $695 per month to $1300 per month, starting April 1. Harrison, of course, could not afford to pay the increased rent. We began to search for alternate housing, and, almost by chance, came across a new affordable housing complex in Durham called Cedar Trace. You can look at their website here.

This is a long story, but the short version is that late on Saturday, March 22, we got Harrison moved into a brand new, ADA certified, apartment at Cedar Trace. And the rent was quite affordable. This project was accomplished with the help of a number of Lakewood Y members, most especially Justin and his helper, Terry, who supplied the box truck, and labor.

Our ongoing challenge has been to find has been to find an organization that will handle Harrison’s home care. He still needs morning and evening home care, and your contributions have gone 100% to pay for private helpers over the past year.

We feel fortunate that we have identified an organization called PACE, in Durham, that will take over Harrison’s home care in return for receiving his Medicaid benefits. The process of qualifying for this organization has been challenging, and we have one more step to go. We anticipate crossing this final hurdle in the next two or three weeks. PACE has indicated they will take over his home care effective May 1.

So, here is our (hopefully) final request: We would ask Harrison’s friends to consider making small contributions to get our fund level up to cover this last month of home care (which runs about $3000 per month). Any contribution, however small, will be used to cover Harrison’s home care for the month of April.

Harrison is excited about his new living environment and the prospect of working with PACE. He remains unbelievably positive in his outlook.

Please contact either of us if anyone has any questions.

And, as always, thank you for your generous support.

Joe Marion.

Jane Williams. at bottom.

We come to you with a heartfelt plea to help support Harrison Lee’s recovery from near paralysis caused by back surgery.

We all have marveled at Harrison’s daily workout in spite of a stroke that took away use of his left side ten years ago. Now, a critical operation has caused the loss of 90% mobility in his right side.

Despite this challenge, Harrison is showing the same determination to regain mobility through physical therapy. He is currently in a rehabilitation center near Southpoint.

Harrison is determined to get strong enough to return to his residence. However, he is in need of financial support to accomplish this goal. Besides physical therapy, caretaker, and home modification costs, there will be many additional expenses as he continues to recover.

YMCA members have set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to help Harrison to pay these costs. Your donation, however small, will also let Harrison know that he is not alone as he faces his most formidable challenge yet.

Thank you.

Joe Marion, Jane Williams, Kirsten Mullen, Bo Glenn, and Dorie Budet

UPDATE: February 4.

We have learned that Harrison‘s benefits that cover physical/occupational therapy expire on March 23. He is regaining some strength and mobility and is able to feed himself with the help of an assistive device. However, he still needs one helper in order to transfer himself from the bed to a wheelchair to the toilet. Harrison hopes to go home by the end of March, at which time he will need funds to cover necessary home care, all physical therapy sessions, and other support personnel and devices. Our support has helped Harrison stay 100% committed to getting better, and our donations will support his moving to home care. Thank you, one and all, for your overwhelming support!

UPDATE March 23

We come to you with some exciting news about Harrison's ongoing journey, and one (hopefully) final request.

Several months ago, Harrison received a notice from his landlord that his rent was to increase from $695 per month to $1300 per month, starting April 1. Harrison, of course, could not afford to pay the increased rent. We began to search for alternate housing, and, almost by chance, came across a new affordable housing complex in Durham called Cedar Trace. You can look at their website here.

This is a long story, but the short version is that late on Saturday, March 22, we got Harrison moved into a brand new, wheelchair outfitted apartment at Cedar Trace. And the rent was quite affordable. This project was accomplished with the help of a number of Lakewood Y members, most especially Justin and his helper, Terry, who supplied the box truck, and labor.

Our ongoing challenge has been to find has been to find an organization that will handle Harrison’s home care. He still needs morning and evening home care, and your contributions have gone 100% to pay for private helpers over the past year.

We feel fortunate that we have identified an organization called PACE, in Durham, that will take over Harrison’s home care in return for receiving his Medicaid benefits. The process of qualifying for this organization has been challenging, and we have one more step to go. We anticipate crossing this final hurdle in the next two or three weeks. PACE has indicated they will take over his home care effective May 1.

So, here is our (hopefully) final request: We would ask Harrison’s friends to consider making small contributions to get our fund level up to cover this last month of home care (which runs about $3000 per month). Any contribution, however small, will be used to cover Harrison’s home care for the month of April.

Harrison is excited about his new living environment and the prospect of working with PACE. He remains incredibly positive in his outlook.

Please contact either of us if anyone has any questions.

And, as always, thank you for your generous support.

Joe Marion [phone redacted]

Jane Williams