Jennifer Cooper, Mr. Holdos' longtime girlfriend, said he is hoping to purchase a van that is wheelchair accessible.
“So that I can take him to a very expensive appointment.” [currently]” Cooper said.
“There aren't many places that offer transportation for people in wheelchairs who can't transfer. Just getting a simple medical appointment is very expensive. That's the goal of the fundraiser.”
read: Irvine comes together to solve the next medical problem
Cooper said Holdos started experiencing numbness in her feet and hands in 2017.
“He fell in 2018 and was hospitalized with a broken elbow. After that, he was no longer able to walk without assistance,” Cooper said.
“He is no longer able to transfer even without assistance.”
Cooper said he is hopeful that funding will be approved for the electric wheelchair that Holdos currently uses.
“It made a huge difference for him to be able to get out of the house,” Cooper said.
“A few years ago, someone donated a wheelchair ramp to our house. Before that, he couldn't transfer and couldn't get out at all. He had to be carried in and out of the house. “Yes,” she added.
“He definitely needs a van to get out of Irvine, but a power wheelchair will definitely help him get around in the summer. If it snows, there's not much he can do. He's stuck at home.”
Cooper said she's inspired by Holdos' positive attitude about everything she's been through.
“I don't understand how he does it,” Cooper said.
“He's a very happy person. He's very energetic. I wouldn't be able to do that.”
Mr Cooper said Mr Holdos plans to remain as long as he is able to participate in boxing matches and is physically able to do so and can thank everyone for their support.
The boxing card's schedule features 22 bouts against a number of local boxers, including Nate Vossler, who competed in this year's national championship, and national silver medalist Asher Softik.
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Also competing from the Medicine Hat Boxing Club are Jacob Waln, Tavin Booker, Gavin Russell, Cade Steiger and Alan Kursak.
The steak dinner begins at 4 p.m., the game begins at 7 p.m., and there will be a silent auction during the game.
Cooper's daughter, Jaylin Dooley, said former Olympic boxer Trevor Stewardson and his wife, Missy, and Lee Vossler approached him with the idea about a month ago.
“We broke down in tears. We were so excited and couldn't thank them enough for all they did for this, and they asked us to help.” Mr. Dooley said.
“We live in a great community. Our community is so helpful to the people here, they show up whenever they're asked, they always show up, they're just really great and we're very supportive of them.” I cannot thank you enough.”
Louis Hashem, who co-owns the Irvine Hotel with his wife Margaret, is pleased to be able to host a steak night at his establishment to support Hordos.
“I've known Joe for over 16 years, through the fire department and here,” Hashem said.
“Joe was a wonderful person, a pillar of the community here, and he showed kindness through many different ways he helped different people in the community. He is a wonderful person,” he added.
“That's why we're all rallying around him and supporting him for this cause.”
