Rebuilding Lives: The Salvation Army's Impact on Christopher's Journey
In 2020, the lives of so many were impacted when a worldwide pandemic swept across the globe. For Christopher, he found himself fighting for his life after contracting the coronavirus. Christopher's battle with the virus was intense and severe to the point that he was pronounced dead. Christopher was discovered unconscious on the side of the road by police officers.
For the next 45 days, Christopher lay in a coma, his oxygen levels reaching a critical low point. While in a coma, Christopher's body suffered extensive damage from the virus. His heart, lungs, kidneys, intestines, muscular system, memory, and liver were all affected. The aftermath of the virus left him unable to walk, requiring more than a year of rehabilitation to regain his mobility. His journey to recovery was long and intensive, but it soon brought him to The Salvation Army.
As Christopher was rehabbing his mind and body, he found himself in need of necessities, particularly food. As someone who was previously self-sufficient and employed, the debilitating effects of the virus had left him unable to provide for himself. It was at this critical juncture that Christopher's path intersected with The Salvation Army.
Through The Salvation Army, Christopher met Captain Cheryl McCollum, the officer in charge of the Ansonia Salvation Army, along with her dedicated staff. The Salvation Army welcomed Christopher with open arms and provided him with the support he desperately needed.
“Captain Cheryl and her staff were a Godsend. The Salvation Army is an amazing organization,” said Christopher.
The Salvation Army went above and beyond to ensure Christopher's well-being, addressing not only his immediate food needs but also connecting him with other vital services. The Salvation Army proved to be an invaluable source of support for Christopher, and he witnessed firsthand how they touched the lives of so many other senior citizens in need.
“The Salvation Army welcomed me with open arms. There is no judgment at The Salvation Army. They went out of their way to help me with a variety of services,” said Christopher.
The assistance of The Salvation Army not only helped Christopher regain his independence, but it also provides hope to countless others in need. Christopher realized that without the convenience and support offered by Captain Cheryl and The Salvation Army, his own life might have taken a far more dire turn.
“I cannot see how communities would function without The Salvation Army and the services they provide. Not just locally, but throughout the country. They do great things,” said Christopher.
Christopher's journey is a testament to the life-changing impact The Salvation Army has on communities every day.