My Father's Freedom
Donation protected
This is my father, James Whitlatch. I am his daughter, Karen. I am asking for your generosity in donating towards a Trac Wheelchair. I shall be brief as possible. Here is why I wish so strongly he have this chair:
My father has Polio. He was diagnosed at the age of 12 and spent 6wks in an iron lung. He was an athlete and loved the outdoors. He has been extremely active through his lifetime. He put himself through college, walked through the snow on crutches and graduated with two degrees. He worked seven days a week for seven years and started a successful company. After fourteen years, he lost it. In the process, spent his money trying to save it. He walked with crutches until 15yrs ago when he shattered his hip in a fall. He has very little use of his arms, due to his physical activity and the disease process. Never once has he complained, instead, moved forward and kept working hard.
He has been stuck inside of his home, which is small, old and in great disrepair, for the last 18 months. He has a chair, but it is for indoor use only. He has gone into his yard and gotten stuck several times and it has taken hours to get himself in and days to recover. He lives in the country, has no cell phone service.
Three years ago, I went out and for 8 months, we installed irrigation on the 3 acres of land. He had rows of black berry bushes, we planted 15 trees. He, we, were both thrilled! We spent all day outside, working side by side. Then, it has rained so much that the trees died and he hasn't been out to see if the rest is gone.
My father has Polio. He was diagnosed at the age of 12 and spent 6wks in an iron lung. He was an athlete and loved the outdoors. He has been extremely active through his lifetime. He put himself through college, walked through the snow on crutches and graduated with two degrees. He worked seven days a week for seven years and started a successful company. After fourteen years, he lost it. In the process, spent his money trying to save it. He walked with crutches until 15yrs ago when he shattered his hip in a fall. He has very little use of his arms, due to his physical activity and the disease process. Never once has he complained, instead, moved forward and kept working hard.
He has been stuck inside of his home, which is small, old and in great disrepair, for the last 18 months. He has a chair, but it is for indoor use only. He has gone into his yard and gotten stuck several times and it has taken hours to get himself in and days to recover. He lives in the country, has no cell phone service.
Three years ago, I went out and for 8 months, we installed irrigation on the 3 acres of land. He had rows of black berry bushes, we planted 15 trees. He, we, were both thrilled! We spent all day outside, working side by side. Then, it has rained so much that the trees died and he hasn't been out to see if the rest is gone.
All of my life, I have not once, heard this man complain about his disease, his constant pain, and his finances. He has sounded so very not down, but as though he has accepted to sit in his not happy house for always. The other day when we were talking about this, I heard a small spark of hope!
He resides in Florida and I in California. We are as close as a father and daughter can be! I speak with him several times a week. He just wants so badly to be outside and enjoy the outdoors! We have discussed options and have exhausted all of them. Financially, he can not move and physically wouldn't, most likely, be an option. He and I would be grateful beyond words for your kindness and generosity. Thank you so very much.
Organizer
Karen Whitlatch
Organizer
Hastings, FL