Golf Tournament Raises Money For Spinal Cord Patients

STOW, Mass. -- Spinal cord injuries can be debilitating, but a Norwood man said recreation is still possible, and in some cases, vital.
NewsCenter 5's Pam Cross reported that Jerry Donovan said a high-tech chair put him back on the golf course.

"My golf games have gotten a lot better. Before I wasn't really paying attention to my score. I buried a hole a couple of weeks ago in Norwood, and it just changed my whole attitude," Donovan said.

Things changed when Donovan got the paramobile. A vehicle accident left him with paralyzing spinal cord injuries. After years of Rehabilitation, the specialized wheelchair changed his golf game and his life.

"I can look people in the eye standing up. When I am in the wheelchair and talking, I am yelling at people so they can hear me because my diaphragm is restricted. (With the paramobile,) I am standing up, talking better," Donovan said.

Donovan will play in the two-day tournament in Stow that benefits the Catastrophic Injury Program. Sponsors said the money raised will provide better equipment for spinal cord injury patients.

"It's really an inspiration for other people who have had this kind of injury. With the right support, they can do the things that most paraplegics want to do which is live normal life," said Paul Mauro, a tournament sponsor.

John Gallant has been in a wheelchair for three years.

"I used to play golf, twice a week -- low 90s at best. I love the game so much. Seeing Jerry stand up and taking swings, I can't wait to give it a go and see how it works out for me," Gallant said.

Donovan said he wants to motivate other disabled people to get up and be active.

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