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Testimonials
Doug:
Thanks to you and your wonderful organization, I had my chair topper installed yesterday, January 16, 2006. It is working wonderfully. I will have a picture taken this weekend and I will email it to you next week.
Again, I thank you and your organization for your generosity.
Garry Snyder
Dear Doug,
I would like to THANK YOU and everyone at your office for the help that you gave us. And to tell everyone out there that if you do believe and never give up on what you are trying to do, And believe that GOD will help those who help there self's, that it can come true. My husband and I were in a bad motorcycle accident April of 2001, I spent 3 month's and 6 day's in the hospital to come home as a paraplegia. I needed a wheelchair van with the lift and hand controls but could not afford to buy one. So my husband got on the computer and started a long search that was getting nowhere. My Daugherty also was on the search too. It was her that run across Doug and his people and thought she would give it a try. Low and behold he wrote back and said they could help with $2500.00 to put to a new one or buy one at that price. My husband got on the computer and found one in Middletown, Indiana ( McCrocklin Ford & Mobility ) So we went over there to see what we could do. (They too are some of the best people you will every want to meet ) We looked at what they had and work a deal on this one that I have now. I had a copy of the note that Doug had sent us and the price he would pay. Came home and e-mailed Doug, He and his people went to work and by the middle of the next week I went to pick-up my van.
So I will say it again ( FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON'T BELIEVE ) There is a GOD and there are people out there that will help, If you believe and never give up. Thanks again to Doug and everyone in his office to make my dream come true and let me drive myself to where I need to go. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU
Brenda Arnold (Bellefontaine, Ohio)
Dear Doug,
I'm hoping that his e-mail finds you and your wife in good health and that you're looking forward to the holidays that are too far away. The van seems to be working extremely well and has given me the opportunity to go places that I haven't been to since my accident. It was nice just to go to a restaurant and sit down and eat like everyone else. It couldn't have been accomplished without your help.
Thank You Very Much! - Henry Smith (Mt. Gilead, North Carolina)
Mr. Richardson
I just wanted to thank you and the G.O.A.L.S organization for your help in funding my power chair now I'm all over the place on my own and it feels great to be able to do that I'm sending you some pictures I took of me in my new chair I hope you can use them in your news letter if not I can take more pictures once again Thank You.....
Sincerely - Kevin Booth (Lake Mary, Florida)
Dear Doug,
I trust you are doing well. Some time has passed since my last correspondence, but I wanted to let you know that I have recently moved and am using the door openers. As promised, here are a couple of pictures (see the attached files). The delay in getting back with you is not a reflection of my appreciation, but more of a reflection of the hectic schedule of moving!
I am loving the mobility that I have as a result. I can even get the door for my wife now and she doesn’t always have to hold it open for me. Thank you again for your kindness in providing me this mobility.
Sincerely - Bobby McCoy (Oak Ridge, Tennessee)
Doug,
I just shared this great news with my wife. I do not even know how to
begin to thank you for the car topper. My wife has been riding in the back seat of my car
or we have to have my daughter put the chair in the trunk. I do
sincerely thank you and your organization for your kindness.
I will take a picture and send it to you. Do you want as a jpeg or to
you want a snap shot mailed?
Thanks ever so much - Garry Snyder (Carlisle, Pa.)
 Dear Mr. Richardson:
Attached please find Karen's photo with her new trike.
Since she received this trike, she has been riding it
every day. She enjoys it very much and sweat every
time she played.
Thank you so much for your kind donation for Karen's
tricycle. We really appreciate it.
Steven Liu, Karen's Dad (Delray Beach, Florida)
Doug,
There is no way that I can express my gratitude in words
alone, so I look forward to assisting your foundation in
whatever capacity you need. Please don't hesitate to ask.
God bless you - Rob M. (Oxford, Mississippi)
Dear Doug Richardson,
Approximately one year ago, I became disabled due to a C-4 spinal cord injury from an ATV accident, was hospitalized and lost my job. I rely on the Medicaid program to assist me with the needs I now have and cannot afford.
I was able to purchase a van through fund raising projects, however, I felt very unsafe in that I was not secured into any type of restraining system. I found the GOALS foundation and applied for assistance. I was so amazed, as in three hours I received an e-mail from Doug requesting a quote for placement of tie downs in my van. The foundation paid for the complete installment of my tie downs. It couldn’t have come at a better time, we received seven inches of snow the day after they were installed and I still made it to therapy twenty miles away. I feel 110% safer in my van now.
Thank you so much for helping me, I now look forward to going out in my van now. I hope to be of help to you with your fund raising in the future.
Sincerely,
Dustin Thome (Lawrence, Kansas)
 Dear Doug:
I first want to humbly apologize for taking so long to get you these pictures. I have had my power wheelchair back for a while now. No excuses though just apologies.
It has been great having my power wheelchair. Being able to be out in my community is a great blessing that I thank your company’s gracious generosity for.
Thanks for helping me to be more independent. May God bless your company.
Sincerely - Bryan Gosney (Durham, Missouri)
Doug,
Don drove to my house this weekend and these photos were taken.
He is so very excited to have back his independence:
-- He no longer has to drive during certain hours when it's not so hot;
-- He does not have to worry about gas tank issues;
-- With winter ahead of us, he will now have heat;
-- He now has a lock down system to keep him safe.
He can just get in and go! Thank you and G.O.A.L.S again for making this possible. He would not have been able to afford the van without the last $3,000 that G.O.A.L.S. granted to him.
Thank you, on behalf of Don and myself, once again for your patience as we went through this process.
Tricia (Don’s Niece)
 Doug,
Here is a picture of me and my 1998 Dodge Mini Van. I want to thank you so very much for working with me and hanging in there with me as I tried to find the right van for my needs & for the right amount of money I had to spend. Sorry it took me so long.
Thanks again, - Don K. (Vinton, Iowa)
Doug:
I am so sorry that I haven't sent you pictures yet and these are limited. Ron & I ended up having to do all of the work. Special Spaces did not come through, but that's okay; we hurried up and redid his room from the floor joists up (he and the nurses camped out for 2 weeks in the building, roughing it). Saturday,we had a Luau and these are the pictures I took right before that.
We could not have done this without your guys' help and caring.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
Ron & Carolyn D., Cody’s Grandparents (Moss, Tennessee)
Hello Doug,
Just returned from competing in the NYC Marathon. It was an unbelievable experience that I will never forget. The city really supports the runners. I also was introduced to a track club that specializes in helping athletes with disabilities. It’s the Achilles track club, what a great organization with super volunteers.
How is everything with you? Hopefully well. I wanted to thank you again for your support. It has put me over the top towards recovery and some semblance of achieving goals again. What an awesome feeling it was to be in the NYC marathon that has over 3 million spectators all cheering as you go by. I wish I could bottle that feeling so I could share it with others.
Thank You soooo much!!!!!! - Ken B. (Clymer, New York)
A-ability has called and told me that Derek's pool lift is in. This is the most wonderful news! You are Heaven Sent. My husband had just finished the concrete pad this weekend, great timing too. We should be able to pick it up this week; I know he will install it as soon as it is in our yard. The pool is too cold right now but we will take pictures for you of course. We have had a laugh in our house about this, Derek is afraid to be the first to try it so I have volunteered, even his sister had said she would, because we are so anxious for him to get to use it. Even the neighbors are asking what we were building for him. We are applying for him to go to Portugal for the surgery with Dr. Carlos Lima via Dr. Steve Hinder at Detroit Medical Center and this lift will be used regardless, but what a bonus for his therapy next year if accepted. Either way his life will be better because of you, and we can't thank you enough. I applied for a grant with four other places, you were the only one to answer back and you even provided. Wonderful- GREAT .
Thank You, - Kim J. (Tampa, Florida)
Dear Mr. Richardson,
I wanted to express my appreciation and gratefulness for the grant that was used to purchase the door openers for me. As a C5/C6 quadriplegic with limited use of my arms and no use of my hands, I have always struggled with opening doors. I mentioned this previously in an email but I used to have to wait, sometimes in the rain, during my college years for people to come and open doors for me. The door openers will provide a great deal of mobility and freedom.
Due to the fact that my wife and I will be relocating in a couple of months from the apartment that we are renting, I am waiting to install the door openers. I will be sending you some pictures through email so you can put them on the website.
Thank you again for such a kind and gracious spirit and for helping people with disabilities. Please accept my thanks for such a wonderful gift.
Sincerely, - Bobby Mc (Oak Ridge, Tennessee)
Dear Doug,
My family and I would like to thank you for your generosity. We have had the lift installed and it works great. Anthony continues to improve. He is still attending therapy three times a week but is out of school for the summer. Once again, we truly appreciate your kindness.
Sincerely - Bill, Mendy & Anthony (family of Anthony K.)
Just a note, Mr. Richardson, to say thank you and GOALS for purchasing my new manual wheelchair. I’m so thrilled my old one wasn’t in good condition after many years of use and I am so happy to have it replaced. Your kindness has meant a great deal. Again I thank you.
Beverley B. (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Dear Mr. Richardson,
Words alone cannot describe the gratitude I have for the understanding and generosity you and your organization has shown me.
"This will never be forgotten EVER." "I deeply appreciate this more than you could ever possibly imagine."
Gratefully yours,
Marcus C. (Palisades Park, New Jersey)
Dear Mr. Richardson,
This is incredible news and I'm very excited. This is the first grant I have ever gotten to help me reconstruct my home. In the future I would be happy to help you raise funds to keep your grant open. I'm interested to know how you raise funds for your grant anyway. Do you mean that the check I sent to Home Depot or to me because I'm not sure what to do with the fax you send as a letter of understanding to Home Depot. I have a couple of brothers that could help me do the construction but I don't think they will be able to help me until the summer. Is it still going to be OK to use the grant for materials in the summertime or do I have to use the check now? I will definitely keep you updated on the construction. I'm designing a new web site and will definitely have to add this news to the site. I have set up a fund in my name and I have been trying to raise money and this is the first good news I have hoped for since I started the attempt. I am excited to learn more thank you so much. Please let me know if you need any photographs or story written for your web site on the grant you awarded this year.
Sincerely, Robert F. (Glen Burnie, Maryland)
Dear Doug and Nelda,
I would like to thank you so much for the down payment of the Kawasaki Mule. This has brought me such great joy, I can now get out and enjoy the outdoors.  I will never be able to thank you enough for your generosity. Now my son and I can check our cows and ride on the farm. While I am on this, I feel like my old self again. Which I havent for 7 years do to a 4 wheeler accident. I don't have to think about the wheelchair and just enjoy being out of my house. I am sending a picture as an attachment, of us on the Kawasaki Mule on the farm. I just want to say thank you again to you and the foundation for bringing independence to my life again. God Bless.
Melinda F. (Unionville, Missouri)
Doug,
Thank you so much for your help. This truly is a highlight for me since my injury. FYI, look for my name in the results of the NYC marathon this year because you'll see my name. I'll keep in touch with pictures and stories of rides. Man I can't believe this. Thanks again.
Ken B. (Clymer, New York)
Doug here are pictures of my daughter and I. Thanks again for everything..
 
Chris M. (Avon Lake, Ohio)
Dear Doug,
Thank you so very much...I just do not have enough words to tell you how much I appreciate this. This lift will help me greatly.
Thank You and your organization for all the help. It is a great feeling and a great uplift to know that there are such wonderful people like G.O.A.L.S. that are out there to help people who need it. I am so overwhelmed with joy.
Thank You So Much,
Linda L.
Mr. Richardson,
We can never fully express our gratitude to you and your foundation. G.O.A.L.S. Net you were very helpful and supportive the whole time (close to one year) we were trying to accomplish our mission in getting a van for the Myers Family. You were willing to work with us and the van dealership to the end.  Thanks to G.O.A.L.S. Jeff Myers has a life back of numerous outings with his wife and teenage girls, he has a safe way to travel to doctor's appointments, as well as to rehab to exercise, and most important he is no longer homebound!
Jeff thought his paralysis was awful enough for him think of, but he never conceived the idea of being homebound due to lack of safe transportation... BUT... Thanks to your organization he is on the GOOOO once again, because of your generous donation towards a down payment on the new van for the Myers Family.
God Bless you all,
Jeff and Tina M and Family and Jennifer Peters
Hello Doug and Family
Van is home. I haven't had the chance to try the lift yet. I have been extremely ill with the flu.
Doug.... Word's cannot express my gratitude for your foundations gift. May the good LORD keep and bless you always.
P.S. Will send pictures.
William
Hey there,
This is James R from La Crosse WI.... You all got me a mono ski last ski season.. Just wanted to let you all know that my skiing abilities have tripled since getting this mean skiing machine!!! I've also started promoting skiing for the disabled in this area and have sparked some interest. I am also writing to get your permission to put a local program through the YWCA called APRO in touch with you. I have been helping them out with ski clinics every year for the disabled and would love to see this grow into something big. I will also be sending you some pictures of me skiing this year at the clinic. I look forward to hearing back from you and wish you all a very merry Christmas!!
Jamie
Hi, Doug!
Just wanted to touch base with you and see how you are doing. I've had a CRAZY summer! I think I still
haven't absorbed all that I've done and all the places I've been. It's been great. Around the middle of
July, I went to Alaska for the Sadler's Midnight Sun Ultra Challenge. It was an incredible experience. I
hope to do it again next year or the year after. Upon returning from AK, I headed directly to NYC for some
national championship races. From there, I went to Florida to get some work done on my bike and get a new
vehicle. After FL was Chicago to visit a friend. In early September, I went back to the Olympic Training
Center in Colorado Springs. (I was also there in June.) From there, we flew to the Czech Republic for
the European Championships. That was another awesome trip. It was my first time travelling overseas. I
really enjoyed it and would like to go back for a while. Most recently, I competed in the Detroit
Marathon. I defended my title and beat my old time! It was a great weekend. It was the last race for the
year. Now, I'm just going to focus on heading somewhere warm for the winter. I need to be able to
train so I'll be in top shape for the Olympic trials. They take place in May. I have done quite well this
year. However, I don't know that I have secured a spot on the Paralympic team. It'll be close.
However, with more training and some refining of my equipment, I should be able to meet any required
standard. I know I can do it!
Seth A
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP AT GOALS, FOR MY LIFT SEAT. IT IS A GODSEND IN HELPING ME GET INTO MY BED AND HELPING WITH ALL MY SHOPPING AND ALL THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE PEOPLE TAKE FOR GRANTED. YOU'LL NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH IT MEANS TO ME, TO HAVE THIS SEAT ON MY WHEELCHAIR.
THANKS AGAIN.
NANCY N.
Hey Doug this is Brad's friend Ben H who you got the racer for. Thank you sooooo Much I could fit two of me into it but at least I’m out there. I talked to an aluminum welding shop and they said they could cut it down to size for me and I’m going to do that over the winter. Thanks again I really appreciated it.
Benjamin H
Hi, I just wanted to send you a note to say thank you for purchasing a new wheelchair for me (from Smitty at Mednow, Boise, ID). I really can't thank you enough. My new chair allows me to go outside and be able to get back up my ramp without needing someone to help me get back up it when I wanted to go back inside. It also allows me to be active in my chair all day and not wake up the next day with terribly sore shoulders.
Thank you again,
Jeremy A
PS I will get you a few photos as soon as I can. Unfortunately the same 250ft fall that got me also got my camera.
A letter from ARISE
Dear Doug and Nelda:
I want to express my sincere appreciation for your generous
support of the programs at ARISE, Incorporated. The $13,000
grant supplied by GOALS, Inc. will be used to fund two seperate
projects -- the building of ramps for two individuals and
assistance in completing a paved "People Path" at
our 70 acre horse farm.
The ramp project will very personally benefit individuals
who have experienced spinal cord injuries. In these cases
one young man is a 17 year old who was injured while snowboarding
this past winter at a local ski resort and the other man in
his 30's who was injured as a logger. Both individuals have
always been very active, and your gift will be crucial in
allowing them to take the steps necessary to resume active
and independent lives. The total price for building the ramps
was a little over $5000, with prices of just over $1600 and
$3400 respectively.
The second project funded by GOALS, Inc. is our "People
Path" at ARISE at Marshall Farms. The remaining GOALS,
Inc. funding of nearly $8000 will more than match the $7000
we received from the Central New York Community Foundation
to build a fully accessible paved track around the horse track
at our recreation center in Madison County. These are exciting
times for us at the Farm, with recent donations received to
begin a fully accessible ropes course and to build an indoor
riding arena, and other plans quickly developing. As we mentioned
in our proposal, a significant portion of our consumers are
individuals with spinal cord injuries and the People Path
is crucial to all of the plans, linking the various existing
and planned elements of the Farm so as to allow universal
access to our fishing deck, ropes course, riding arena, gardens
and many other areas that are still in the planning stages.
The funding from GOALS, Inc. is making an important difference
in the lives of individuals with spinal cord injuries. The
two people who have received ramps will be able to enjoy greater
mobility and independence because of your gift. The hundreds,
even thousands, of individuals who will make use of the People
Path will also each benefit greatly because of your generosity.
In each case, GOALS, Inc. will have assisted with a goal that
we share -- allowing people with spinal cord injuries to "Go
Out and Live Successfully!"
Sincerely yours,
Melissa Weiss -- Executive Director
Susan Hamm
9916-2 Sweepstakes Lane
Orlando, Florida 32837
susanh59@aol.com
June 1, 2001
Dear Doug Richardson,
Recently (approximately 1 year ago), I have became disabled due to a spinal cord injury, lost my job, and I felt that my life had come to a sudden halt. Being the sole provider of my household (with no job), there was a lack of income, so I had to rely on the state Medicaid program to provide me with a wheelchair. This wheelchair they provided me with did not allow me to do things on my own (I am a very self dependant individual), such as play tennis with my family and friends, go shopping on my own, and go for a stroll. Also there were problems with the wheelchair (the front wheel kept falling off) that did not allow me to go any where. I had the wheelchair repaired on several different occasions. But unfortunately it never helped for long. I had asked Medicaid to replace my chair and the comment I received was that the wheelchair is not even 5 years old yet, we can not replace it until then. This became a very frustrating problem.
To make a long story short, I was surfing the internet one day and found the G.O.A.L.S. foundation and decided to apply for funding of a wheelchair. To my surprise, within the week I received an email from Doug Richardson asking me to find a wheelchair and give him an estimate. The foundation purchased a wheelchair for me, and now there is no stopping me from doing things. What a difference this chair has made (to bad it can t play the tennis game for me), I feel like most of my life has returned to normal again.
I want to express my gratitude toward your foundation. If it was not for the G.O.A.L.S. foundation making a difference in the individuals with spinal cord injuries, people like me would be prisoners in their own homes.
Sincerely,
Susan Hamm
To: Doug & Nelda Richardson
Sent: Wednesday, December 25, 2002 11:37 PM
Subject: On the road
Hi, Doug!
 Just wanted to report in to you. I'm currently preparing to make a move from Michigan to Florida. My goal is to be down there by the 5th of January. I'm heading south for a few reasons. Of course, to get out of this crazy snow! I like the winter, the snow, bundling up... However, I just can't enjoy the winter like I used to. I can't really get out in nature and see all the beauty. It's much harder to get around, too. I don't think I'll miss the snow and ice. I am planning on attending the Hillsborough Community College in Tampa for a semester.
However, the real reason I'm heading down there is to sign a contract with Invacare/Top End. I'm the newest member of their racing team! I'm going to have a racing cycle built to spec. I'll be training with two of the best racers in the country! By the summer, I should be in top form. I am planning on entering the Sadler's Midnight Sun Challenge in Alaska. It is a six-day/six-stage race that is in late July. I'm sure I'll be attending other races, as well. There has been talk of a team trip to Europe, too. We'll see!
I'm going to shoot for a spot on the 2004 Paralympic team. I will be training as hard as I can for the next year. I want to thank you for helping me get here. The hand cycle that you helped me to get has given me the strength and focus that I needed. If it weren't for
your help, I never would've done the marathon in Detroit. By the way, it was the fastest marathon time in 2002 (for the U.S.). I'm sure I'll blow it away, next season.
The impact that G.O.A.L.S. has had on my life cannot be measured. I've been given a-once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will embrace. You helped me to get here. I'm sure I will go further.
Do you travel around Florida, much? If you'll be in the Tampa area in the next few months, maybe we could meet up for dinner. I'll be sure to keep in touch and keep you up to date on all the progress. Thank you, again, for all that you've done for me.
Sincerely,
“Seth A”
To: "Douglas Richardson"
Sent: Monday, March 04, 2002 8:33 PM
Subject: Re: Jeremy's Wheelchair
JEREMY AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOMS OF OUR HEARTS, YOU HAVE DONE US A TREMENDOUS SERVICE. I DONT KNOW HOW TO THANK YOU ENOUGH. I WILL SEND YOU SOME PICS OF JEREMY IN HIS CHAIR AS SOON AS HE GETS IT. AGAIN THANK YOU.
BECKY (“Jeremy A’s” mother)
From: Robert and Sheila (“David M’s” sister-in-law”)
Sent: October 28, 2002 5:27 AM
To: Douglas Richardson
Subject: RE: Pathway
Dear Doug:
Your email with the news of the paved path was such a blessing...I immediately called David with the news and both he and his wife and caregivers are very  excited that this will extend David's physical perimeters and allow him to be even more of the day-to-day farming operation at Sand Hollow.
We thank you and your organization for fundraising efforts and helping others in ways that really make a difference in their altered lifestyles. I personally have found that David's accident has directed my life down a different pathway…one of much prayer and dedication to helping others in need...a pathway that God intends for us to take. The support that David and his family has seen from this small community has been overwhelming…and now…a helping hand from the East Coast.
God's blessings to you and your organization for really making a difference in the lives of people with spinal cord injuries.
Sheila (“David M’s” sister-in-law)
Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2002 8:34 PM
Subject: Rachel's Chair
Hi Doug,
Rachel picked up her chair @ a week ago, attached is a picture of her at her apartment and in her car. The pictures are not the best, it is a very inexpensive digital camera that my son uses. I have taken a 35mm picture of her and should get it developed next week and I will scan that one, too.
 She has been thrilled with the chair. She has big tread tires on the rims because she uses the tires to go and stop. Her hands do not work well enough to use the rims. ( The nerve root for the right hand was damaged in the accident and the hand does not grip at all- had to learn to write left handed in addition to everything else) Do not even suggest rim knobs- not an option.
The Jay back has helped relieve the fatigue she has been having in her back because her old chair did not have enough back support.
I will be sending other pictures as I get them.
Again thanks so much for the funding.
Sincerely,
Becky (“Rachel C’s” mother)
To: Douglas Richardson
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2001 7:06 PM
Subject: Re: “Stephen A”
Mr. Richardson,
Just wanted to let you know that the chair glide has been installed today and it is great. We will send you a picture as soon as possible and please know that you are great and we certainly appreciate it.
Thank you,
Fran (“Stephen A’s” mother)
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