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Christmas Gift Means Freedom For Disabled Vietnam Veteran

DENVER (CBS4) - A woman who cares for her quadriplegic brother asked this week for a much-needed Christmas gift.

A local Santa heeded her plea.

Lynelle Graham, a full-time caregiver for her brother, Ron Dauenbaugh, mentioned in a CBS4 story earlier this week that her brother desperately needs a van with a wheel chair lift.

"It's Christmastime," Lynelle said. "I got a big 8- to 9-foot tree with no presents under it. I want a van for Ron."

Dauenbaugh, a Vietnam veteran, was injured four years ago when a bookcase fell on him and paralyzed him. He has a difficult time getting around because the donated van he uses doesn't have a lift. He's also facing a cut in benefits from the VA that pay for Graham's caregiving.

RELATED: Pay For Veteran's Caregiver — His Sister — Cut By VA

Gordie Orwig of Gordie's Auto Sales in Denver heard Graham's ask for help.

Orwig, a Vietnam veteran himself, had a van with a lift that Dauenbaugh could use.

"We said, 'What a better place to put it than with these folks,' so that's what we did," Orwig said.

For Dauenbaugh, this gift is much more than just a vehicle. It's freedom.

"I wish all the veterans who were wounded in war could have this kind of care," he said.

"We are blessed," Graham said. "We would hope other veterans could have what Mr. Gordie has given to Ron and I."

LINK: GoFundMe account for Ron Dauenbaugh

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