Grafton Vietnam Veteran Gets New Wheelchair Ramp For Christmas

GRAFTON, MA — Christmas came early for one Grafton resident after his touching story made it's way to the ears of charitable group, Give2Those. Galen Holmes, a Vietnam War veteran and retired Grafton firefighter, was surprised with a wheelchair ramp for his home in Grafton. His granddaughter set up a fundraiser for the ramp to help ease his battle with stage five renal kidney failure.

Give2Those found Holmes' granddaughters' fundraising page and offered to help them make it a reality. On the Friday before Christmas, the organization's volunteers came to Holmes' door, ready to work.

"What has been most touching to all of us is his granddaughters unconditional love for her grandfather," Heather Viveiros , Give2Those President said, "She is also a disabled veteran, who drives from Brimfield, MA to North Grafton, MA three to four times a week to help him and her grandmother."

In 2014 Holmes was diagnosed with stage 2 kidney failure. since his diagnosis, the disease progressed to stage five. A strong willed and persistent man, Holmes continues his medication and has dialysis treatments three days a week for over four hours a day. "He lives for his family and isn't ready to give up the fight yet," the fundraiser page reads.

Holmes' kidney failure diagnosis comes after he beat cancer and fought a lifelong battle with COPD. Serving in the US military, Holmes not only served his country but his community as well. He worked driving for Sweet life, worked for Grafton Schools and volunteered his time for the town for years after retirement.

Holmes' family says the ramp allows him some freedom and independence to focus on what he loves most, his family.