Denver7 viewers donate $3,500 to buy accessibility equipment for Denver man left paralyzed by accident

DENVER — Home looks a little different now for Erik Blanchette. After four months in the hospital, Blanchette is back home but still fears the steps to his bedroom.In November 2023, Blanchette tripped and fell down the stairs, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down and wheelchair-bound.

Blanchette's home was not wheelchair accessible. Narrow hallways, a dip at the front door and a tub in the shower made it impossible for him to do basic tasks. Fortunately, Chanda's family, friends and co-workers decided to help. The bathroom was remodeled free of charge, a family member donated a ramp and Blanchette's father gave him a van with a modified wheel that he can drive.

With some of the remodeling covered, the Blanchettes asked for several items, such as a shower wheelchair, a mechanical lift and new slings.The new wheelchair will help Blanchette enter the shower by himself, while the mechanical lift will help Chanda lift him in case he falls out of his chair. Blanchette said it'll help him return to a sense of normalcy and autonomy.

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