12/19/2012
Rotary clubs donate van to Duckworth family
Hank Lohmeyer
a07 duckworthPhoto by Hank Lohmeyer Paul Duckworth, 5, and his family are the new owners of a fully equipped handicap van given for their use through a joint project of the Delta and Cedaredge Rotary clubs. Shown at the van’s delivery in Delta on Dec. 5 are (from left) Jim Wetzel, Delta Rotary Club; Gary Duckworth; Paul Duckworth; Nancy Wood, Delta Rotary Club; Vicki Duckworth; Greg Kuta, Delta Rotary Club; and Craig Wolverton, assistant Rotary district governor.This Christmas season is one to remember for young Paul Duckworth, 5, and his parents, Gary and Vicki.
Thanks to the efforts of the Delta and Cedaredge Rotary clubs the Duckworth family now has a handicap-equipped van for transporting Paul and the equipment required to deal with his dual challenges of scoliosis and spina bifida.
It was generous cash donations of the two Rotary Clubs, along with a highly successful fundraiser at AppleFest, that enabled the joint enterprise to fund the van purchase for the Duckworths.
"We really thank each and every one of you (club members) for your generosity," said Paul's dad, Gary, at the presentation on Wednesday, Dec. 5. "Everyone has been so generous and kind."
At the presentation, Paul serenaded the Rotarians and their guests with a lively holiday song about the Christmas season that put everyone into high spirits.
Paul's mom, Vicki, said the van will be especially helpful transporting Paul to medical appointments in Denver. It will also prove its worth to the family when extra equipment that Paul needs, including a stander and an activity chair, are needed. When Paul gets older and requires a bigger wheelchair, the van's automatic lift and spacious interior will be a necessity for the family.
As the big AppleFest fundraiser was being finalized in September, the DCI published a story about Paul's medical conditions. He was born with spina bifida (open spine). At birth, he had the first of many operations. Paul is paralyzed below the waist. He also has Arnold Chiari II, severe fluid on the spine. He was recently diagnosed with scoliosis of the spine, which may necessitate surgery every six months while he is growing, and then a spinal fusion when he is older. Paul has food allergies and serious digestive issues. He also suffers from sensory and gross motor challenges.
Paul is bright and lively. He has an engaging and pleasant personality. He interacts spontaneously with his social environment and isn't shy about introducing himself when meeting new people.
Paul's mom said that many people and groups deserve thanks for helping with the van project that will mean so much to their family. Those include Double J Disposal, DMEA Charitable Trust, DeerCreek Village Golf Course, Cedaredge Elementary School, Delta and Cedaredge Rotary Clubs, Cedaredge Church of the Nazarene, San Juan Honey Company, Delta Safeway, Delta Walmart, Cedaredge Food Town, Fritchman's Orchard, Patti Timmerwilke, John and Paula Mitchell, Delta Ace Hardware, Big John's Lumber and Ace Hardware, local media for coverages and promotion, and special thanks go out to Nancy Wood and Jim Wetzel "for their generosity with the van."
An account has been set up at Surface Creek Bank for continued expenses and maintenance. The account is under "Paul Duckworth - medical," Vicki told the DCI.
