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WEST VALLEY CITY — After developing a good relationship with a resident whose home they often respond to, the West Valley firefighters are raising money so An-g Cunningham can more easily function in her home.
Cunningham has always been a very active person, but is now in the secondary phase of multiple sclerosis and has to sit in a wheelchair.
Unfortunately, her standardized wheelchair doesn't allow her to access the bathrooms in her home, and she started raising money for an FDA approved TEK Robotic Mobilization Device.
This device allows its user to stand up and sit down in it and is only about 17 inches wide. Cunningham said she will be able to actually stand at the stove and cook dinner for her family.
Cunningham said she will be the first Utahn to receive the $18,000 mobilization device.
Just over a year ago, Cunningham poured a pot of boiling water on herself, frying her nerves, and it was these firefighters who responded. Since then, the firefighters respond to her house at least three times a week to assist her.
Cunningham set up A GoFundMe account* to raise money for the TEK Robotic Mobilization Device, and the fire station is holding a fundraiser Saturday to donate to the cause.
"I'm just completely thankful for them, because they go above and beyond what's expected of them, and they just sacrifice so much of themselves to help others," Cunningham said. "… I'm completely humbled that they would do something like this for me. It makes me completely emotional."
James Lampas, a firefighter with the West Valley City Fire Department, said when they saw she was raising money, they wanted to see what they could do to help.
Lampas said her attitude is so positive and she's a nice, upbeat person.
"Her positive energy just rubs off on you, and as soon as we found out that she had a possibility of getting this device that would help her out, we couldn't help ourselves but to see what we could do to help out," Lampas said.
The fundraiser, a garage/yard sale, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Granger Elementary at 3700 S. 1950 West. Attendees are welcome to donate items of value to be sold at the yard sale, donate money or buy items at the sale.
Those who wish to donate items can drop them off at the West Valley City Fire Department, Station 75, Friday evening before 8 p.m. at 3660 S. 1950 West or Saturday morning between 7 and 9 a.m. at Granger Elementary.
Cunningham said she doesn't believe anything happens by accident, and she thinks the firefighters were put into her life for a reason.
"I always tell them every time they come, every day I pray, 'Lord, orchestrate my day according to your perfect will, and put people in my path that need to hear that they're loved and appreciated,' and … for the last year, it's been the fire department," Cunningham said.
*KSL.com does not assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
