Rural Solutions

Farmer of the Year 2010

Greg C.

Easter Seals’ Rural Solutions Program doesn’t just help you get back to work, it helps you get your life back. Consider Greg's story. Greg has had arthritis in his left ankle since childhood. Arthritis is a progressively painful disease. Pain is a fact of life in every move that he makes, but that never stopped Greg from doing the things he wanted to do. Things like supporting his family, farming 300 acres, feeding and milking 100 Holstein cows twice daily. So, when Greg was told by his doctor that his unstable severely painful ankle was not a candidate for surgery, Greg knew he had to find help another way; because, he was not willing to be forced into a sedentary life style or find a job in town.

Greg’s optimism grew when he learned that the Easter Seals’ Rural Solutions Program helps Iowa farm families with disabilities continue to do what they love - farming. Chuck with the Rural Solutions Program worked closely with Greg and together they found ways to modify Greg’s environment to meet his physical needs, so that he could continue to do his daily activities and chores. In fact, you might say Rural Solutions literally gave Greg the opportunity to get back in the driver’s seat - of his tractor.

Because secondary injuries are common from the overuse of the non-affected extremities, Greg’s tractor was modified with wider and lowered steps along with hand-holds. The oversized steps allow him to stand with both feet on one step improving his balance and promoting safety. The handholds let him use his upper body strength to get up into and down from the cab. Greg is the most proud of his John Deere Gator 4x4 with the fabricated front end blade. He uses the blade for multiple jobs such as pushing the cows’ feed onto the feeding apron and later to clean the manure away from the cow yard; two jobs that would be too dangerous without the ATV. The ATV also has a rear hitch for towing other equipment around the farm.

Greg is always quick to share with people in his community that, “Without the technological assistance from Easter Seals, I couldn’t have continued to farm. I am so thankful to continue to do what I love.”

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