Monday, 30 August 2010 14:52 Last Updated on Monday, 30 August 2010 15:44 Written by vsattler

We Care: Rick Cawley’s story (the program’s first patient)
August 2010

The mission of the new We Care program is best seen through the program’s first patient, Rick Cawley. Rick was homeless and came to The Army’s evening meal program, Meals with Compassion, two years ago. Rick suffered from substance abuse and slowly began to open up to outreach workers about his struggles.

His leg was badly injured in a 1988 car accident, which hadn’t healed properly. He was unable to stand for more than a few minutes at a time and his knee gave out, bending forward or backward at any given time. He couldn’t work and the pain was unbearable.

Rick was soon admitted to The Army’s Medical Respite Unit. His Army case manager and We Care coordinator began to search for an orthopedic surgeon to help Rick regain the use of his leg. With the help of Dr. John Fenning, the search ended when Dr. Charles Springer, protected under Sovereign Immunity, performed a full knee replacement on Rick on May 11th at Lee Memorial Hospital.

Rick’s leg is beautifully straight for the first time in over 20 years. With The Army’s help, he has moved into his own residence for the first time in eight years. He continues his follow up appointments and physical therapy. Dr. Springer said Rick is doing remarkably well. Rick is looking forward to finishing his therapy and getting back to work. He recently said to his case manager “I couldn’t have done it alone, and I am so thankful that The Army took me in and helped me get my life back.”

Rick’s story is just one of the many whose lives are touched each and every day because of the support and generosity of our community, volunteers and donors. Thank you for helping us help others.

The We Care program operates in partnership with Family Health Centers, Lee County Medical Society, Lee Memorial Health Systems, and SWFL Community Foundation and The United Way.