The Joseph Groh Foundation Supports Two Young Men with Life-Changing Mobility Assistance

Massachusetts — At first glance, Cody and Colton might seem worlds apart — Cody hails from Western Massachusetts, while Colton resides in Southwest Colorado. However, their stories reveal a shared journey of resilience, determination, and the support of The Joseph Groh Foundation. 

Cody grew up working alongside his father at Davenport Construction, a company specializing in commercial building projects, including site work, paving, and septic work. He planned to continue in the family business after high school, but a motocross accident changed his path, leaving him with a T8 complete spinal cord injury and no sensation below his rib cage. 

Colton’s path was also shaped by construction. He started in log home construction during high school, then transitioned to working for a general contractor, where he gained experience in concrete pouring, framing, and operating construction equipment. His drive led him to Texas, where he worked on road construction and oilfield platform preparation. While traveling between Texas and Colorado, he helped his father haul logs — until a log fell from the trailer, striking him in the back and leaving him with an incomplete T7 spinal cord injury. 

Despite their different backgrounds, both men faced a similar challenge: navigating hilly, and at times mountainous, terrain in a manual wheelchair. Recognizing the strain this placed on their shoulders, they each sought the Rio Firefly 2.5 electric wheelchair attachment — an innovative device that transforms a manual wheelchair into a powered one. 

Thanks to the generosity of The Joseph Groh Foundation’s donors, Cody and Colton now have the mobility assistance they need to reclaim their independence. Their stories are a testament to perseverance and the impact of community support.