Donald was the owner of DAR Contracting, business he founded in 1997. DAR was
a general contractor, specializing in high end kitchen and bath remodeling. In
addition, they built rec rooms, office spaces, designed custom moldings and crowns,
and provided turnkey countertop replacements along with many other interior
custom renovations.
On May 31, 2015 he had an accident on his Harley motorcycle.
Donald was on a three-day ride when the bike lost aerodynamics, causing a high
speed wobble that was unrecoverable. The result was a T-3 complete spinal cord
injury. The financial impact was devastating. Don went from making six figures to
living on Social Security disability. He learned of our foundation from a designer
that worked for him. Don requested help from our foundation to help make his
house more accessible so that he could become more independent and productive.
“From the moment I crashed, laying in the grass next to my bike and knowing I
could not move my legs and that I broke my back, I had my little pitty party, and
told myself that I was not going to be a burden on anyone. I had a positive attitude
and busted my butt in rehab to get better. Without the ability to access the basement
of the new home I will not be able to access my shop, where I could make some
money for our family as well as enjoy my woodworking hobby. So much has been
taken away and there are so many things I no longer can do. The ramp will make it
easier to get into my home, and the deck will allow me to enjoy the outdoors on a
nice day. I only hope that you see my need to be independent, and for myself and get
back a few of the things I have lost.”
Thanks to our many supporters, we were able to make Don’s request happen.
When completed, Don sent a note saying, “The ramps and decks were finished
yesterday. They turned out fabulous! Thank you so much for everything you have
done for us!”