A Suncoast veteran relies on his electric bike to get around. His only mode of transportation was stolen earlier this month.
“I stopped at a store for about 5 minutes and I came back and my bike was gone,” said disabled army veteran Randy Whaley.
Whaley has a leg condition that makes it very painful to walk.
“When it hurt too bad for me to ride my regular bike to the store and back I decided to get my first electric bike,” said Whaley.
When Randy’s friend Beth Wenrich found out his bike was stolen, she began a GoFundMe to try and get him a new one.
“He would rather starve and give you the shirt off his back before taking care of himself,” said Wenrich.
Beth knows first hand how big Randy’s heart is. She was homeless when they met at a gas station four years ago.
“I had literally just had the worst experience of my life. I had been attacked by a few gentlemen and [the gas station attendant] introduced me to Randy and he said well, you can come stay with me and my mom. We have an extra room you can come stay with me and my mom,” said Wenrich.
Seeing the response from the community on GoFundMe shocked both of them.
“I guess they’ve got good in their hearts, and that really sometimes surprises me,” said Whaley.
Sadly they still don’t have enough for a new bike. That is why we decided to make Randy this month’s Helping Hand recipient sponsored by Carl Reynolds Law.
“We want to give you a check for a thousand dollars towards getting you some wheels so you can get around and get the transportation you need. Especially someone who has given so much with your service to our country I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. We are proud and grateful to make you this month’s Helping Hand recipient,” said Carl Reynolds, attorney at Carl Reynolds Law.
A timely reminder that there are still good people out there.
“I had sort of lost faith in humanity, I know he did. It brought my faith back for sure,” said Wenrich.
Randy served as a Cavalry Scout in the U.S. Army during the Cold War. He was stationed in Germany before he was honorably discharged.
If you want to learn more about the GoFundMe click here.