December 25, 2005
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Roger Thompson, a 60-year-old developmentally disabled client of Living Opportunities, enjoys his new
massaging recliner while the agency’s assistant manager Don Senter helps him get used to the controls.
Mail Tribune /
Roy Musitelli
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Community fulfills area families’ Christmas wishes
By SARAH LEMON
Mail Tribune
To 60-year-old Roger Thompson, the quilted black leather chair looked like a Cadillac.
It’s just too bad he can’t drive it, he joked.
From his tiny apartment near the Medford Center, Thompson walks everywhere despite one leg being shorter than the other.
He shops at Safeway and drops into Red Robin for a hamburger, never wanting to inconvenience his caseworkers at Living
Opportunities for a ride.
Suffering from the pain in his legs and progressive arthritis, Thompson said he "about had a heart attack" when
presented Wednesday with the therapeutic massage chair, a gift from a local physician.
"Me sat down and couldn’t believe it," he said.
The chair arrived at Living Opportunities Wednesday along with about $900 in cash donated to assist the
developmentally disabled man whose story appeared during the Mail Tribune’s ninth annual "Light One
Candle" campaign. The community’s response was so generous that Thompson — who lives on about $600 per
month and has never had new furniture — will be able to purchase a bed and other furnishings with the help of Living
Opportunities staff.
"Honestly, everything in his ... apartment should be replaced," said Jim Gauchenour, development director for
Living Opportunities, a nonprofit organization that helps about 37 disabled people live independently in the community.
Thompson is still learning all the features and functions of the chair, which massages the neck, shoulders and upper and
lower back. Before agreeing to have the chair moved into his apartment, Thompson insisted that his old recliner go to a
good friend.
"He’s a giving person," said Don Senter, Living Opportunities staff member.
Being on the receiving end has not only warmed Thompson’s heart, but soothed his aging body.
"Thank you, and God bless you," he said.
The kindness of Mail Tribune readers will soon have 15-year-old Rachael Navarro smiling again.
The Medford teen in January can start treatment to repair a front tooth broken four years ago at a Little League game.
Community donations that poured into orthodontist Lance West’s Medford office covered Navarro’s initial
consultation fee of $604. Her four-year treatment plan will include palate widening, braces and crowning the jagged
remnants of her front tooth
Other local dentists offered their time and services to help repair the tooth, said Kadie Boivin, an employee at
West’s office. Rachael's mother is steadily employed, but her dental insurance doesn't cover orthodontics or
cosmetic reconstruction.
Reconstructing her life now doesn’t seem so daunting for one client of Dunn House.
The 68-year-old woman whose husband abandoned her in the woods last summer hoped to stay in touch with her grown children
while staying in a shelter for battered women and children. Mail Tribune readers sent the woman calling cards while
unexpected messages from strangers lifted her spirits.
"One was from a woman who had stayed in a shelter 30 years ago, and she wanted this woman to know that life gets
better," said Robin DeBates, Dunn House manager.
"One says, ‘I was so very moved by your story ... I pray you are receiving all the help you need to begin a new
life.’"
One new life was greeted Wednesday with a community’s care and concern.
A 23-year-old woman recovering from drug addiction showered her newborn son with diapers, homemade blankets, a stroller
and other sundries donated to OnTrack’s Home Program. The outpouring of goodwill far surpassed the woman’s
needs, said program director Wanda Rasmussen.
"She shared some of her stuff with the other women."
Three other families with young children profiled in the newspaper received baby supplies, diapers and strollers.
Household appliances and furnishings, including, a dining table, chairs, a floor lamp, microwave, blender, and crock pot
also awaited two of the families. One family with four young children served by the Salvation Army received a vacuum
cleaner.
There were other highlights as well:
A 10-year-old victim of sex abuse who has been without a bed since her home caught fire in September was given a
new, pink bed. Her family, who had no money for Christmas preparations, received food and gifts.
A grandmother caring for her five grandchildren and suffering from liver disease received a Christmas tree, warm
clothing, food, movies and gift cards to fast food restaurants.
A family with three elementary-school-aged children served by Kids Health Connection will skate through the New Year
with a pass to Roller Odyssey and roller skates. Their mother received donated clothing and can take the family shopping
with a gift certificate to Fred Meyer.
Three boys being raised by a single father and assisted by Kids Health Connection received toothbrushes and other
oral hygiene items, gift certificates to shop for clothes at Fred Meyer and a year-long family pass to the Medford YMCA.
Children living in St. Vincent de Paul’s homeless shelter now have warm clothes while both adults and children
will eat heartier thanks to donations for groceries and meals.
A poor but health-conscious Ashland family received jars of cashew butter, almond butter and a $200 donation for
the woman to buy a fitness center membership.
Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail
slemon@mailtribune.com.
