Lifted
Spirits Community lends a hand to New Gloucester family
By Kevin Upham
New Gloucester--Saturday proved to be a day that people
still do care about others. The Rosengren family received
a new handicapped-accessible van with a wheelchair
lift for their son, Derek, thanks to a successful
fundraiser begun as a surprise for Derek. Derek has
a rare disease called Pelizaus Merz Bacher which makes
him unable to talk, walk, or even feed himself.
A
fundraiser was started by John and Bonnie Palmiter
who have known Derek and his family since he was two
years old. The Palmiters have watched Derek grow over
the years and felt a wheelchair lift was necessary.
Derek is now over 100 pounds, heavy for his parents
to lift him into their van for their many trips to
the doctor. The Palmiters saw friends in need and
acted. Derek Rosengren happily tries out the new
wheelchair lift with his father, Dale during Saturday's
celebration at New Gloucester Bible Church. The Monument:
Kevin Upham photo
"Although incapacitated, Derek has a bright mind
and a wonderful character," explained Pastor
Dan Michaud of New Gloucester Bible Church where the
Rosengrens attend. "Derek has a personality that
makes everyone he meets smile with joy," Pastor
Dan said.
The Palmiters began working toward their objective
by meeting with Amy Maheux of KeyBank for financial
assistance. Maheux helped them set up an account for
the fundraiser and helped manage the account. Amy
Maheux had never met Derek or his family before but
said that she finds it nice to see that despite all
the negative in the world, there was still good in
people's hearts.
The next step for John and Bonnie Palmiter was to
organize the fundraiser. They worked diligently by
contacting individuals, local businesses and churches
by sending letters and calling people on the phone.
They could not imagine the overwhelming support they
would receive from the community.
Over $30,000 was raised in one month for the wheelchair
lift fundraiser. This was enough money to buy a new
van and pay the insurance for at least the first year.
The van's modification was completed at Ride-Away
Handicap Equipment in Gray.
"It is incredible in three and a half weeks that
the community came together in this way. Individuals,
businesses, the response has been phenomenal,"
Pastor Dan Michaud said of the outcome. From Left
to Right: Jared Palmiter, John Palmiter and his wife
Bonnie, Dale Rosengren (kneeling), Derek Rosengren,
Linda Rosengren, Pastor Dan Michaud and his wife Connie
stand in front of the Rosengren's van on Saturday.
The Monument: Kevin Upham photo
John
Palmiter said he would like to send his heartfelt
thanks to those who helped financially and to those
who prayed, gave words of encouragement and offers
of assistance. Palmiter is very grateful and his prayer
is for God to bless all those who helped. He would
like to send a special thanks to the immediate and
extended Rosengren family members.
Derek's family and friends celebrated his graduation
on Saturday afternoon in Fellowship Hall at New Gloucester
Bible Church. The event was also a celebration of
his life, a video was shown and many people spoke
about Derek, telling stories and singing his favorite
songs.
After Derek was escorted with his parents and K-9
companion, Jen, to the stage, Derek's father, Dale
Rosengren, said that he was proud Derek was his son.
During John Palmiter's presentation, he said of Derek,
"Mr. D has a way of melting people's hearts,"
continuing by saying that Derek's inner warmth would
turn a block of ice into liquid.
After the ceremony, the Rosengren's were presented
with the keys to the new van and they had the chance
to get inside. Linda Rosengren, Derek's mother, was
overwhelmed by what the community achieved and finds
this to be a blessing. Dale Rosengren was very appreciative
to everyone who contributed.
Derek's mother also points out that this will give
him many new opportunities, for example, the family
is already planning a trip to New Hampshire and would
someday like to travel to Pennsylvania. Now, these
things are possible.
A
fundraiser was started by John and Bonnie Palmiter
who have known Derek and his family since he was two
years old. The Palmiters have watched Derek grow over
the years and felt a wheelchair lift was necessary.
Derek is now over 100 pounds, heavy for his parents
to lift him into their van for their many trips to
the doctor. The Palmiters saw friends in need and
acted. Derek Rosengren happily tries out the new
wheelchair lift with his father, Dale during Saturday's
celebration at New Gloucester Bible Church. The Monument:
Kevin Upham photo
