Gerald Fredrick
Foundation Recipient
Gerald Fredrick
Jerry's Story
Meet Jerry and Linda Frederick of Westminster, Colorado, a northwest suburb of
Denver. In 2008 Jerry was severely injured in a bicycle accident. Riding with
friends, he hit a bump and fell, striking his head on the pavement. He was able to
continue riding, but later collapsed with a severe headache.
The fall resulted in a cerebral hemorrhage and catastrophic brain bleed.
As a result of the accident, Gerald is in a wheelchair needing 24/7 care. Linda
provides this care but their income has been severely curtailed. Gerald and Linda's
son helps out his wife's father, who owns Maddy Construction. They are a small
general contractor in Aurora, Colorado. Unfortunately, Mike Maddy, owner of this
firm, was recently diagnosed with an incurable form of brain cancer. Prior to that
he had worked with Linda to identify needed changes to the home following Jerry's
accident. Linda heard about our foundation through Maddy Construction, and she
contacted us in October of 2011 seeking assistance with a bathroom remodel.
She wanted a sink that Jerry could wheel himself up to and she needed a roll in
shower. This will allow her to effect a simple transfer as opposed to physically
lifting Jerry onto the shower bench. Linda contacted Accessible Systems of
Littleton, Colorado's only statewide contractor specializing in mobility solutions for
people with disabilities. She had spoken with other organizations but felt like
Accessible Systems was really able to zero in on what she needed.
Following the renovation, Linda was ecstatic with the results.
Wrote Linda, "Our bathroom is done, and was an amazing change for us. I don't
know how I can thank you enough; I just stand and stare at it. It is lovely and
Accessible Systems did a very fine job. Here is what it looked like before and now
how it looks afterward. I can roll the wheel chair right in to the shower bench toilet
and sink. Jerry can see to shave and brush his teeth and comb his hair. It gives him
a sense of the old life he had before the injury, and he just smiles. I am so grateful to
you and your foundation. I had no resources I could use to do this and it made such
a difference for us. Thank you, thank you for your kindness and deepest regards to
all of you."