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Duane Gingerich
Foundation Recipient
Duane Gingrich
Duane’s Story
Duane Gingerich was a hard-working construction worker, laying and paving
asphalt for the LL Pelling Company of Iowa. Duane lived with his wife Yvette and
daughter Bridget in Colona, Illinois, a small town near Moline, Illinois. In May of
2000 while on the way to work, a semi crossed the interstate and collided with his
car.
The resulting collision caused Duane to be thrown through the windshield, resulting in
paralysis at the T9 vertebrae!
His disability put himself and his wife in financial hardship, with little left over after
paying living expenses every month. Certainly not enough to afford home
modifications. For the past 18 years, Duane’s wife has been his caregiver, helping
him transfer into and out of bed, into and out of his vehicle, giving him sponge
baths, and more. A few years ago, Duane underwent a limb and partial pelvis
amputation due to life-threatening circumstances. After that, mobility became even
more of a challenge than it was before. For the past 18 years, Duane has washed his
hair in the kitchen sink, and cannot remember the last time he took a shower.
In warm weather months, they go to a campground and use a hose to shower.
Determined to help her father, Duane’s daughter Bridget discovered the foundation
through online research, and applied for a grant to remodel their bath. Thanks to
our supporters, our foundation was able to work with Midwest Complete
Construction of Rock Island, Illinois to make the modifications.
Our foundation and the entire Gingerich family thanks YOU, our wonderful donors!