What Price Would You Pay to Help Someone In Need?

Heroism is contagious. When Don Fetzer, Gary Graham and Dempsey Root volunteered to build a ramp to help Carolyn Thornton, of Wooster, Ohio, they never dreamed that it would almost cost one of them their lives and create another hero in the process.

Problems with walking are certainly nothing new to Paul and Carolyn Thornton. The couple needed the ramp built as Carolyn could no longer maneuver the steps at the entryway of their home. Carolyn was diagnosed with MS ten years ago and now depends on a walker for mobility.

A collaborative effort between the Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Smithville was begun to construct the ramp.

According to Pastor Scott Bacon, “church members, including Don, Gary and Dempsey, donated all the labor required to build the ramp”. Don led the effort by designing the ramp plans, getting the building permits and following through with the inspections.

However, Don in no way imagined the price of his good deed could be so high. The first day of construction at the home he started to feel ill. Paul insisted on driving him to the hospital which turned out to be a life saving decision because Don was having a heart attack. He needed emergency surgery to implant a pacemaker to save his life.

Thanks to the efforts and generosity of church members and support from the Society, the Thorntons are enjoying a new freedom this holiday season. And thanks to the unexpected heroism of Paul, Don is appreciating the special gift he received - life.