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Immediately after answering the knock I heard my husband say, "Hi! How are you? I believe that you are here to see my wife." Before he was able to finish his statement I had already over run him to see my pleasantly reliable yet humble friend smiling back at me. This year I instantly noticed that he didn't have to rely on his cane quit as much as he had for his last 2 visits. Which is a marked improvement over the metal, un wheeled walker he had so heavily relied upon during our first encounter. His slow, and deliberate shuffle, reminiscent of an inch worm, has definitely developed into a discernable walk over the years. And his speech is much better this year too. When I first met Gord he had great difficulty expressing himself but his apologetic stammer never interfered with his determination to elicit a donation for a cause that he has fought so long and so passionately to support.
Every year, for the last 12 years, Gord, who suffered an Acquired Brain Injury after 2 brain aneurysms, an aortic aneurysm, as well as undergoing hip and knee replacements, has spent his evenings during the months of April, May and June, methodically walking door to door, patiently acquiring sponsors for his annual 1K "Walk a mile in my shoes" for the Hamilton Brain Injury Association taking place on June 20th this year.
Typically, he saves my home for the end of his fund raising efforts for two reasons: 1. He knows that we need a little more time to catch up and discuss the success of the current campaign 2. He always enthusiastically proclaims just how close he is to reaching his ever increasing annual fundraising goal knowing that I will keep my pledge, as his last donor, to top up the difference. This year his goal was to raise $6,000 and he proudly announced that he had reached it without my input. While we both celebrated his mammoth accomplishment, almost simultaneously he shared the bittersweet news that this year would be his last; he is moving out of town to be closer to his beloved grandchildren.
For 12 years, rain, snow or shine, despite serious, debilitating physical and verbal barriers, my hero Gord has selflessly served as an inspiration to me and so many others. His level of commitment, determination and drive is unparalleled. So out of respect for Gord and all that he has done for his community, I would like to honour him by helping him far surpass his already achieved formidable $6000 goal. Please make a donation at www.hbia.ca, click DONATE (yellow button very bottom of the page) in Gord's name. If you have any trouble making the donation email info@hbia.ca and let Adria know it's for Gord. #gord'sgoal
