By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor
Westborough – After being in a devastating motorcycle accident in late June, Jim Gingras has been paralyzed from the waist down. Since then he has been getting around in a standard, non-motorized wheelchair. But thanks to the efforts of a Colorado-based organization, Wheels for Disabled Veterans, he will be starting off the new year in a nearly brand-new power wheelchair that was donated to him free of charge.
Recently Gingras” sister-in-law, Brandy Duff, who lives in Colorado, happened to see an article in a local newspaper about an organization that helps veterans who have mobility issues, Wheels for Disabled Veterans. The organization which was founded by Air Force veteran Jack Levinson matches up disabled veterans and gently-used and new power wheelchairs and motor scooters that have been donated. Duff contacted Levinson to see if Gingras might qualify for the program.
Levinson approved her request and then quickly set plans in motion. He arranged for a power wheelchair to be shipped out to Massachusetts this week. He then flew out to make the presentation to Gingras this morning.
Also attending the ceremony was Denzil Drewry, a regional representative from Sen. Scott Brown's office, and members of the Vincent F. Picard Post 234 American Legion in Northborough and the VFW Post 9013 in Westborough.
“It's amazing,” Gingras said of his wheelchair and the events that led up to him receiving it. “This will help me to be able to go outside with my nine-month old son, Aiden. That's what I am most looking forward to. I am very thankful.”
Please check our website later for more details on how Levinson has helped not only Gingras but a number of other veterans with his organization.
