Key Points:

• 911 Dispatcher since 2009
• Paralyzed from waist down
• Needs Transportation to get back into the community

   If you have ever had to call 911, you know how important the voice at the end of the line is. The calmness they exude. The relief of knowing that that voice is keeping you grounded while you wait for the help they have already sent your way. They stay on the line with you, talking you through one of the most challenging times of your life.

Now, one of those voices needs our help.

   Since March of 2009, Brian has been an overnight dispatcher for Pottawatomie County in Oklahoma. His wife, Amy, was a teacher until May of 2025. They believe that helping others is what they were put on this earth to do and are raising their teenage daughters to believe that, as well. They are active in giving back to their community. Whether through their church outreach programs, helping to organize/participate in various community fundraisers, or preparing and sharing food with others, this family sees where a need is and does everything they can to meet it.

   In Mid-October 2024, their lives were changed forever. While working, Brian stood up from his chair and felt a pop, followed by immediate pain. Over the course of several months, after several surgeries and various unforeseen complications, Brian is now paralyzed from the waist down. The doctors don't believe he will ever be able to walk again, but that doesn't stop Brian from fighting.

   For the past year, their family of four has "made it work." They are the ones that help others. They don't ask for help. Between raising two active teenage girls, Amy losing her teaching job and having to take a drastic pay cut, the continuous cost of transportation to medical appointments, and Brian having to pay $50 every week for transportation to the job he loves, this service oriented family is struggling. Because he doesn't have his own transportation, Brian's world has been reduced to working four days per week, home, the occasional visit to his beloved church, and visits from family and friends. He hasn't been able to see his oldest on the field for her color guard competitions. He hasn't been able to see his youngest on the court for her basketball and volleyball games.

   Here's where the help is needed. An opportunity has arisen that would guarantee security for their family for years to come. It would also ensure that Brian would be able to rejoin the community he loves and attend important moments in his daughter's lives. Amy and Brian have found a van that is equipped with the tools necessary for Brian to be able to transport himself. Unfortunately, the cost of this van is out of their reach at this time. This 2019 van is being sold for $70,000. While there are newer models, the cost increases. Add in title, taxes, and tags, and they are needing around $75,000.

   This family does not ask for things for themselves. They understand that times are tough for everyone and were very hesitant to allow their story to be told. When the opportunity presented itself and they realized how far out of reach it was, they decided it was time to ask. Let's give this family their lives back. Brian may never walk again, be he could get his independence back. Let's come together, as a community, and show this family how much we appreciate their service.