Building Hope

By Virginia Huie

I saw true community spirit at work this weekend in Holbrook. Dozens of volunteers building hope for wounded warrior. In March a roadside explosive took Chris Levi's legs and damaged his right arm. News of his grave injuries spread quickly in his hometown. Family friend Teresa Leonard wrote a letter -- asking the public for financial help to build a wheelchair ramp at the Levi home. Holbrook's bravest answered the call. Now, a simple request for a ramp has turned into a $100,000 renovation. Holbrook's fire chief Rick Gimbl gathered an army of volunteers to convert the ground floor of Chris' home into a handicapped accessible apartment. They've been working 7 days a week since August. Their goal -- to complete the job by Christmas. The community's efforts will enable Chris to live in comfort at his home after he finishes rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Chris' mom, Debbie, gives him daily updates about the renovation. She says it's the best medicine for her son. He can't wait to come home to see his new apartment. And his hometown can't wait to welcome him home. In the meantime, volunteers are holding various fundraisers to help Chris.

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Click here to learn more about Chris Levi