When a hero needs help, another steps in
Posted at: 09/17/2012 9:04 AM
By: Heather Mills, KOB Eyewitness News 4
This week's Hometown Hero segment features not one, but two, inspiring individuals: a veteran who pushes past his own disabilities to educate and uplift others who's now in need of a little extra help - and the woman who is stepping up to the plate.
David Grisham is the Manager of IT Securities at UNMH. He's also a veteran. He uses a voice-activated computer system because "Grish;" as his friends call him; is also blind and paralyzed.
For the last 30 years he's used a guide dog to assist him.
"She's my eyes and my hands. She opens doors, she picks things up. She helps me in emergencies," said Grish. But, Trixie-Bella passed away Christmas Eve. "I have to depend on my wife or friends or co-workers to help me with things. It's been very, very tough," he added.
The VA no longer provides assistance in purchasing a guide dog. That's where Barbara Lemaire stepped in.
"I can't see our Vets having to shoulder this kind of expense on their own," said Lemaire. She'd never met Grish before, but she knew she wanted to do something to help. "If I had the money, he'd have the dog right now."
So, Lemaire set up a Facebook page and a Twitter account hoping to get enough donations for Grish to get a new service dog which can cost as much as $30,000.
"A number of people have donated. It's small amounts, but it's a start."
Grish says he's thankful to Lemaire for helping and he's looking forward to getting his independence back, and a new friend.
"Way more than a friend. We're a team. The dog is a partner," said Grish.
For more information or to donate, visit http://guidedogfund.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/GuideDogFundForDavidGrisham
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