Duane Gingerich

Duane Gingerich was a hard-working construction worker, laying and paving asphalt for the LL Pelling Company of Iowa. Duane lived with his wife Yvette and daughter Bridget in Colona, Illinois, a small town near Moline, Illinois. In May of 2000 while on the way to work, a semi crossed the interstate and collided with his car.

His disability put himself and his wife in financial hardship, with little left over after paying living expenses every month. Certainly not enough to afford home modifications. For the past 18 years, Duane’s wife has been his caregiver, helping him transfer into and out of bed, into and out of his vehicle, giving him sponge baths, and more. A few years ago, Duane underwent a limb and partial pelvis amputation due to life-threatening circumstances. After that, mobility became even more of a challenge than it was before. For the past 18 years, Duane has washed his hair in the kitchen sink, and cannot remember the last time he took a shower.

Determined to help her father, Duane’s daughter Bridget discovered the foundation through online research, and applied for a grant to remodel their bath. Thanks to our supporters, our foundation was able to work with Midwest Complete Construction of Rock Island, Illinois to make the modifications.