ORANGE COUNTY - by Kalie Desimone/KFDM News -
"I have a good faith in God, and if he wants me to be in a wheelchair, then that's where I'll be and there must be a plan in there somewhere."
Don Anderson has spent many years helping children. Now, he's facing one of the toughest challenges of his life, with the support of his school district and his family.
Surgery to remove a tumor has left Anderson paralyzed from the waist down. He's not sure he'll walk again, but the Little Cypress-Mauriceville school board president isn't facing the obstacle alone.
The community is rallying around the leader many call a profile in courage. He's slowly adapting and preparing to face the future no matter what it holds.
Don Anderson uses a tool he calls a grabber to reach a cup from the top shelf of a cabinet and fill it with water to drink.
"It's been a big lifestyle change," said Anderson.
A change that has left him confined to a wheelchair.
"I get down sometimes, but you kind of go along with the cards you are dealt."
It started with surgery in May of this year to remove a tumor from his spine. Doctors told Anderson the operation was a success.
"It wasn't immediate. It was gradually over a three day period."
But a virus entered his system, likely through an incision. Within three days it stole Anderson's ability to walk.
"I keep going and I hope to walk again, but in the meantime, I'm preparing to finish out my life in a wheelchair if I have to."
Anderson can't help but dream of one more chance to walk, run or swim.
"Do things with my wife, with my sons, with my grand baby."
For now, he's clinging to a positive outlook and those who are supporting him.
"With that many people praying for me, it would be hard to understand if I don't walk again, but if God wants me to stay in this chair, I'm sure there's a purpose."
Don Anderson says one of his hospital bills totaled more than $250,000 before insurance.
If you'd like to help Anderson and his family with medical expenses, an account has been set up at Sabine Federal Credit Union on Strickland Drive in Orange.
There's also a raffle with a riding lawnmower as a prize. If you would like to participate in the raffle for a riding mower to help raise money for his medical expenses, call Marlene Courmier at 409-920-2064.
Community rallies to support school board presidentRelated Stories
- More Texas News
- National News
- International News
- Judge to hear new evidence in school finance case
- UT-Arlington returns to normal after bogus threat
- Appeal seeks halt to Texas woman's execution
- Telephone threat closes UT-Arlington campus
- Leander officer with warrant shoots therapy dog
- Plans for Astrodome's fate to be discussed
- Service set for officer hit by truck in Texarkana
- Judge may hear new evidence in school finance case
- Probe prompts child welfare workers to resign
- Man pleads guilty to smuggling snakes on planes
- Bulger ex-enforcer grilled about varying stories
- Wooden beam could be detached part of shipwreck
- Republican Sen. Murkowski supports gay marriage
- Maine man charged in teen death pleads not guilty
- Father, son acquitted in NY of sex trafficking
- Aug. trial set for Ohio man in kidnapping of women
- Kerry to address top world issues on upcoming trip
- Woman convicted in LA train platform death
- Faith leaders asked to help members get legal help
- Grand Forks Herald publisher to retire next year
- Military: Thurayas banned in northeast Nigeria
- Floods close Lourdes pilgrimage site in Pyrenees
- World powers to meet on Syrian rebel demands
- Egypt top cleric: Protests against Morsi permitted
- Israel to export 40 percent of its natural gas
- Nine killed along with seven attackers in Somalia
- Todashev's body brought to Russia for burial
- Myanmar court convicts Muslims over violence
- Obama renews call for nuclear reductions
- Iceland: 'informal talks' about Snowden asylum
Summer Reading Club
Automotive
Find valuable information about buying your next car, including price quotes and your latest automotive news.
We Know Why You're Awake
We Know Why You're Awake. We can help.
Wedding Central
The greatest Southeast Texas story ever told. Share your wedding and engagement news!
Lost and Found Pets
These are pets that have been lost or found in the KFDM News Channel 6 viewing area.
No Text Zone
Texting While Driving Kills Thousands of People Each Year. Many More are Seriously Injured. You Can Help Make Our Roads a NO TEXT ZONE
Texas Lottery
Texas Lottery
Community Calendar
Check out our Community Calendar!
Baby Talk
Baby Talk with Nicole Murray.
KFDM Channel 6 Top Stories
Business News
Asia Markets mostly down as investors eye Fed
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- Asian markets were mostly lower today as investors waited for an update on the U.S. economy from the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Consumer News
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
Entertainment News
Get This
VEGAS STRIP-THRILL RIDE
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- If losing your shirt in Sin City isn't enough -- you could soon lose lunch.
Science/Tech News
IN THE NEWS: INTELLIGENCE OFFICIALS SAY SURVEILLANCE FOILED PLOT TO BOMB NYSE
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S.
