ATCHISON, Kan. - Maimed and burned by an IED from Iraqi insurgents, a local U.S. Army veteran prepares for his 30th surgery. But first, he got an incredible gift.
Staff Sergeant Scott Stephenson is slowly recovering. He is missing part of his left leg. He is confined to a power chair. Stephenson needs his mom's help climbing up and down stairs in their Atchison home.
"The only thing I have to do is watch out so that I don't fall and bust my face coming out of the shower," Stephenson said with laughter.
He jokes. However, Stephenson longs for independence.
"Pretty soon he's not going to have to fall out of the showers," said Lisa Rakes, one of countless volunteers helping renovate Stephenson's home.
An army of volunteers enlisted in "Project Hero." Spearheaded by the Heart of America chapter of International Code Enforcers, businesses, like Silver Cross, are donating time and money.
"We're actually donating a stair lift that will get him from top to the bottom of the stairs so he can get up and down safely, easier, with no difficulty," said Bill Koch, a volunteer from Silver Cross.
Volunteers plan to build handicap-accessible closets, showers, and a whirlpool to soothe Stephenson's burned skin. They want to make his life easier free of charge.
"God, I don't know what to say," Stephenson said.
There is still a lot of work to be done. Volunteers plan to pour a brand-new concrete driveway and ramps outside Stephenson's home. They do not know when the entire project will be complete. It doesn't matter to Stephenson.
"You never know how many people are out there willing to help somebody when they are in need until you are in this situation," Stephenson said. "I get to see it first hand. It's amazing."
Stephenson plans to begin college classes after surgery on his face in late December.
