Kenneth Gagot
Foundation Recipient
Kenneth Gagot
Kenneth’s Story
Kenneth and Debra Gagot of Massapequa, New York are like many other couples from
Long Island. Kevin worked as a carpenter for an area construction firm, while his wife is
a teacher in a nearby town. Their son was attending an Ivy League college in pursuit of a
medical degree. Like many in his trade, Kenneth worked jobs on the side for extra cash.
On a spring day in 2014 however, an accident turned Kenneth’s life upside down!
Kenneth was pulling shutters off a 2nd story window when he slipped and fell off the
ladder. The resultant full broke his neck and damaged his spinal cord at the C-5
vertebrae. The rest of the year was a blur of hospitals, rehab facilities and operations. A
pressure ulcer acquired in one of the hospitals resulted in an extended period of rehab and
almost required surgery.
For the severely disabled, a handicapped assisted vehicle is one of the keys to restoring some degree of normalcy to life. Unable to purchase such a vehicle on their own, the only time Kenneth got out of the house was for Dr. appointments or to go to the hospital, where he would be transported by Ambulette. This went on for 2 years, and understandably contributed to Kenneth’s depression. Kenneth and Debra worked with Workman’s Comp for over 2 years before learning that they would receive partial payment for a handicapped assistant van. They agreed to pay for the conversion of a van, but Kenneth had to provide the van itself. Debra had been talking to the foundation on and off about assistance during this two-year period of time, and when she received this news from Workmen’s Comp. she knew exactly what type of funding they needed – that for a van.
For the severely disabled, a handicapped assisted vehicle is one of the keys to restoring some degree of normalcy to life. Unable to purchase such a vehicle on their own, the only time Kenneth got out of the house was for Dr. appointments or to go to the hospital, where he would be transported by Ambulette. This went on for 2 years, and understandably contributed to Kenneth’s depression. Kenneth and Debra worked with Workman’s Comp for over 2 years before learning that they would receive partial payment for a handicapped assistant van. They agreed to pay for the conversion of a van, but Kenneth had to provide the van itself. Debra had been talking to the foundation on and off about assistance during this two-year period of time, and when she received this news from Workmen’s Comp. she knew exactly what type of funding they needed – that for a van.
Thanks to our many donors, we were able to meet Kenneth and Debra’s request!
The foundation worked with Debra in order for her to learn about different types of vans
and conversion companies, and when she felt ready, she contacted companies located on
Long Island. She found a company who helpd them find the type of van they needed as
well as the type of conversion best suited for Ken’s needs. With that, the van was
purchased and sent it to a Braunability plant for conversion. They are expected to pick
up their new vehicle around October 1. Joe had a conversation with Kenneth about a
week prior to this, and he expressed his extreme gratitude to the foundation and their
supporters for providing him with a whole new lease on life. He was looking forward to
trips to the shore, to dinner, to church and all the places we take for granted being able to
get to. After 2 long years, the foundation wishes them bon voyage and happy trails!