Helping Hands: How the Joseph Groh Foundation Changed Two Lives
At Getting Neighborly, we love sharing stories that showcase the power of community. This time, we’re highlighting Cody Baker and Colton Gray, two hard-working young men whose lives instantly changed. Thanks to the Joseph Groh Foundation, they now have the mobility they need to regain their independence.
Two Lives, Two Journeys, One Need
At first glance, Cody Baker and Colton Gray may not seem to have much in common. Cody is from Western Massachusetts, while Colton calls Southwest Colorado home. But both men built their careers in construction, and both suffered life-changing spinal cord injuries that left them needing help to navigate their new reality.
Cody worked for his family’s construction company and planned to make it his career. But after a motocross accident, he was left with an T8 spinal cord injury, with no feeling below his rib cage.
Colton’s journey was similar. He built his career in log home construction and later moved into road and oilfield work. One day, while helping his father haul logs, a log fell from the trailer and struck him on the back, leaving him with an incomplete T7 spinal cord injury.
Both men faced a tough challenge—navigating their hilly, rugged hometowns in manual wheelchairs. Over time, the strain on their shoulders became overwhelming. They needed a solution.
The Gift of Mobility
Thanks to the Joseph Groh Foundation, Cody and Colton received a Rio Firefly 2.5 electric wheelchair attachment. This device turns a manual wheelchair into a power wheelchair, allowing them to move easily and independently, no matter the terrain.
For Cody and Colton, this wasn’t just about convenience but about regaining control of their lives. They now have the freedom to navigate their hometowns, continue working, and maintain their active lifestyles.
The Joseph Groh Foundation: A Mission of Hope
The Joseph Groh Foundation was created to help people like Cody and Colton—hardworking individuals in the construction trades who suffer life-altering injuries. Founded by Fairview resident Joe Groh, the foundation provides:
- Home and vehicle modifications for accessibility
- Medical equipment to improve quality of life
- Financial assistance and advocacy for families in need
Joe’s own experience with a spinal cord injury in 2008 gave him a firsthand understanding of the struggles faced by those in similar situations. Instead of letting his injury define him, he turned it into a mission to help others.
How You Can Support the Foundation
The work of the Joseph Groh Foundation wouldn’t be possible without community support. If you want to make a difference, here’s how you can help:
- Donate to support individuals like Cody and Colton
- Spread the word about the foundation’s mission
- Learn more about how to get involved
Listen to Joe Groh’s inspiring story on the Getting Neighborly Podcast! Joe Groh: Founder, Executive Director of the Joseph S Groh Foundation
Fairview is more than a great place to live—it’s a community that lifts people up. If you’re looking for a town where businesses and residents come together to create real impact, Fairview is the place for you.
Learn more about the Joseph Groh Foundation at https://www.josephgrohfoundation.org/
For more inspiring local stories, subscribe to the Getting Neighborly Podcast!
#FairviewTX #GettingNeighborly #JosephGrohFoundation #ChangingLives #CommunitySupport #FairviewProud #MakeAnImpact
"Super" Dave Quinn, CEcD
Podcast Host
"Super" Dave Quinn, CEcD, as he is known around the country, is a seasoned Certified Economic Development Professional, delivering a range of consulting, training, and coaching services for Economic Development Agencies and their executives.
He is a professional speaker, podcast host, and economic development coach, inspiring others to take ownership of their lives and positively impact the world by sharing their God-given talents and abilities. He travels the country encouraging audiences to pursue their purpose and live their personal best. He coaches
Dave is the founder of Day One Experts, a collection of the country's best-known Public-Private interaction specialists. Day One Experts offers fractional and interim economic and community development services for communities around the country. Dave is currently serving as Interim Economic Manager for the Town of Fairview.
Dave also founded the Texas Economic Development Connection in 2020 to help reduce the cost and stress business owners face when relocating or expanding into Texas. By connecting business owners with professional economic developers from across the state, the TexasEDConnecton gives business owners access to the resources needed to help minimize the impact on their bottom line when expanding or relocating their business.
Before leaping into entrepreneurship, Dave served as Vice President of Frisco Economic Development Corp. in Frisco, TX. He helped lead a team of highly skilled economic developers in one of the nation's fastest-growing cities. D…
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