June 2001
Transportation Service Offers Vehicle for
Independence
 Harold was once known
for his perfect vision. As a young World War II naval aviator it was required—in
order to land his Wildcat fighter plane on a carrier deck.
This young fighter pilot with 20/20 vision had a bird’s eye view of
the war and saw a world of possibilities ahead of him after his service. These days Harold
can scarcely see a thing.
Trouble in Sight
Harold began to gradually lose his vision due to undiagnosed and, therefore, untreated
glaucoma. While his glaucoma came on gradually, Harold noticed its effects suddenly at the
height of the disease, and by then, it was too late for any successful treatment. In 1974
he was declared legally blind and 100 percent disabled.
"It was extremely frustrating for me, because I could see
before," says Harold. "Here I was, an ex-fighter pilot that couldn’t even
drive a car anymore."
Harold was living in New York City where he had access to a variety of transportation
modes right at his doorstep. Because of chronic heart problems his doctor recommended he
move away from the dirty air of his busy street and into a healthier environment. Harold
came to Wichita.
The convenience of the many, inexpensive forms of transportation were gone. After
another eye operation Harold was referred to the Transportation Services Program at
American Red Cross, a United Way-funded agency.
"This is a full-service and free program," says Melissa Crawford, director of
transportation services, American Red Cross. "Our drivers not only get clients to the
right place on time, but they help them in and out of the car, right to the doctor’s
office, if necessary, and back into their homes."
A Clear Vision of Help
The Transportation Services Program provides free rides for persons 60 years and older,
when it is difficult or impractical to use personal resources or public transportation.
Volunteers drive radio-equipped Red Cross vehicles to take clients to and from any medical
appointments they might have.
"We want to make it so people can keep their independence," says Crawford.
"If for some reason they don’t feel comfortable behind the wheel or are not able
to drive, they can give us a call and we will take them to their needed appointment."
Because of Harold’s eye and heart problems he has a lot of doctor visits. Without
this program, Harold says he doesn’t know what he would do.
"I don’t believe I could make it without this service," says Harold.
"It’s absolutely necessary…I couldn’t go anywhere otherwise."
Looking Ahead
Harold has been using this program for about four years. He often has two to three
medical appointments a week, and knows he doesn’t need to worry about how he will get
there.
"With all my appointments, this solves a very big problem for me. And it is very
appreciated," says Harold.
Thanks to you, Harold has a new outlook on life.
Call United Way of the Plains at 267-1321 to find out more about how your money is
helping our community. |
