Let’s get Larry a motorized scooter!

Hey! My name is Katie DeRouen. I’m “known” on TikTok as the sister who lost her 3 siblings due to a drunk driver. I share their memories & raise awareness, but I’m doing something different this time!

Tonight, I was in a local grocery store when I kept spotting this elderly gentleman. He was in an obvious amount of pain as he struggled to walk with his rollator/walker. He was pulling on my heart strings the moment I laid my eyes on him. He ended up in front of me in the check out line where he was having trouble with his EBT card. I was ready to cover his bill but it ended up working. I knew he would still be making his way to the parking lot by the time I paid so I caught up to him and asked him if I could please help him load his groceries into his car. He told me no ma’am, I’m walking. My heart sunk when I realized this sweet man had to walk to wherever he was going in his condition. I asked him to please allow me to take him home and he refused. I did all but beg before he gave in. I pulled my car up and loaded his groceries and walker into my car. As I was helping him into the front seat, he pointed to a penny and (slowly) picked it up and said you always pick up a penny, it means there is an angel near. I knew that this angel in question was my sweet, kind 15 year old sister, Kamryn. She had the biggest heart for the less fortunate and I felt her presence with me so strongly. I took this gentlemen home, nearly a mile away from the store, and helped him inside and brought in his groceries. He tried to give me $20 and said he wished he could give me more. I absolutely would not hear of him paying me and I insisted that he allow me to leave my name and number Incase he ever needed anything. I know he will not call me because it was very evident he wants to retain his independence. He said he only allowed me to take him home because of my persistence. So, I learned that his name is Larry. I don’t know his last name, but the urge to help this man is so strong that I truly can’t explain it other than I know it’s God (and Kamryn) leading me to do this. I would LOVE to get Larry a motorized scooter that he could ride to the store. I don’t know the price of these so I’m setting a $5,000 goal. I’d love to get him one suitable for outdoor use and with a basket for his groceries! 

I also wanted to add that all of this caused me to forget what I went to the store for, so after I dropped Mr. Larry off, I went back. The cashier asked me if he allowed me to take him home because he usually doesn’t allow anyone to do so. She said he’s been walking to the store for years and they all feel so sorry for him. They tie his groceries to his walker for him. My heart will not allow me to witness this and not take action. I know the power of social media and I know we will be able to get Mr. Larry a scooter for Christmas!