Following a 2010 spinal cord injury to my son, Brian, members of the Oak Harbor community rallied around him, raising funds and donating materials and labor to remodel our garage into a wheelchair accessible bedroom and bath.

Our family would like to, again, extend our thanks for the generosity of strangers, friends, businesses and church members alike. The remodeled space has been such a blessing. It has provided Brian a constant reminder of the good will of our community and has allowed him to focus on healing and improving his strength and skills.

The support around him has assisted Brian in maintaining a positive outlook and attitude. He continues working to finish his degree in economics from Washington State University and will graduate in May. He is active in our community, reading with kindergartners in Mrs. Ridle’s class at Oak Harbor Elementary and serving on the church council at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church. Inspired by the pay it forward concept, Brian and some of his Theta Chi fraternity brothers are coordinating their second annual fundraiser for the Transitions Program at Harborview and University of Washington. Transitions provides training and support (such as driver’s training, exercise programs, sporting opportunities and much more) for spinal cord injury individuals to help them become more active and involved. The good will extended by our Oak Harbor community has truly multiplied and is now touching many other lives.

I would also like to thank former Mayor Slowik and the city council at the time for the remodel of Pioneer Way. Before the remodel parking was essentially impossible for individuals with wheelchairs. Now handicapped parking spaces line every block on Pioneer. The ADA ramps and wide, flat sidewalks are much safer and easier to navigate than before. Thank you for making the downtown area welcoming and accessible to all residents.

Marge Moore

Oak Harbor