Help Remarkable Disabled Man with In-Home Care

Meet Lynn Cassino. Lynn was born in Denver, Colorado in 1951 with cerebral palsy. Well, not exactly. The family doctor wanted to go on vacation, so he suggested they deliver Lynn two months premature. The damage occurred when he went 24 hours in the womb after his mother’s water broke, deprived of oxygen causing brain damage.

Lynn spent hours on the floor while his mother worked his legs with endless therapies. He was finally placed in steel leg braces, but he could walk! He was actually one of the poster kids for Easter Seals and honored by the Denver Broncos. Lynn always smiled.

Eventually, Lynn’s tendons began to tighten, and the doctor severed the ones behind his knees rendering his legs utterly useless, simply dragging behind Lynn as he pulled himself forward on his Canadian canes.

Lynn got a good education from a “special” school, Sewell House. This was before disabled kids went to school with everyone else. He took some college courses and learned the computer. His brain was perfect, it was his legs that held him back. But he could drive, and soon Lynn was working full time and advanced to the research department of a title company. He worked for several other companies but retired from AT&T where he was a dispatcher.

When the Olympics were held in Utah, the torch was carried through Colorado. Major companies were allowed to name a representative to carry the torch on their behalf. AT&T chose Lynn because “he embodies the Olympic spirit every day of the year.” So, Lynn joined many others that cold January night as they waited for the torch entourage to advance. When it got to Lynn, he waited in a wheelchair. He grabbed the torch and his brother ran behind pushing him toward the next torch bearer. Lynn’s head was thrown back, feet in the air with huge smile across his face. It was a great honor and tremendous thrill. Among his group of torch bearers was his hero, John Elway.

The reason AT&T chose Lynn is because he never missed work, never complained even when he fell flat on his face due to a drop of water that his crutch slid through. Lynn was grateful for everyday and everything that came his way. He would stand on the curb in a blizzard after work, fearful he would miss his Access-a-Ride. If he stayed inside, he was might not make it to the curb before the bus drove away. He didn’t want to inconvenience his family.

Lynn retired and lived with his mother as his late father had requested. “You take care of her, and she’ll take care of you.” His mother outlived his father by 25 years and passed on Christmas Day 2020 at age 95.

Though Lynn had tried to save money, much of it has been depleted due to his need for in-home care. You see, Lynn fell in 2010 and has never walked again. He must be hoisted from his chair to his bed and back. His life consists of watching television alone with caregivers and family coming and going. But with his mother’s death, half the household income disappeared – her social security and some insurance for their care. Now, at age 70, he is running out of money and we’re hoping some generous folks will help him with never-ending expenses. We’re grateful for every penny. Thanks so much and Blessings to all those who are able to help.