When Shamong Township resident Steve Bond found out that a brace he needed to help his MS was not covered by insurance, residents and members of his church came together to help him out.
“I saw his condition deteriorate considerably in the last year or so when he would come to church,” Fred Mancinelli said. “He went from walking to using a cane. A member of our church, Jim Smith, was able to get him a scooter to use and the church had a pew removed so he could attend church.”
When the subject came up about the brace Bond needed to help his mobility, the church congregation decided to get together to help him raise the money needed for it.
“We are a small congregation at Indian Mills United Methodist Church,” Mancinelli said. “We have collections for him every Sunday.”
The brace that Bond needs straps to his legs below the knee and has a battery pack that stimulates the nerves and muscles.
“I thought because the doctor recommended it that it would be fine, but then the insurance company denied it. It was very aggravating,” Bond said. “The doctor said that it would improve my ability to walk. It won’t be how it used to be, but I could be able to walk again without using a cane. I have my fingers crossed that it does work because being 48 and having to walk with a cane is not for me. A baby learning to walk can walk faster than me.”
Bond was first diagnosed with MS in 2004, but his condition has deteriorated only in the past couple years. Even though the MS has slowed Bond down, he still tries to do his normal everyday routine he did before he was diagnosed. He is the chairman of the Shamong Township Rent Control Board and tries to go on outings with his family.
“I have a motorized scooter that I can use when I got to the mall with my family or anything like that,” Bond said. “To be 48 and not be able to do normal things is very frustrating for a guy. I use to play men’s softball, I lived to play men’s softball and now I can’t.”
The brace that Bond needs cost $2,000. The church has been collecting for a few weeks, and if they need to do any additional fund raisers, they will.
“Another member of our church, Bob Clark, who is also a leader in the congregation, has been discussing some other options if needed,” Mancinelli said.
“I am very thankful and very grateful to everyone,” Bond said. “On behalf of myself and my family, it is greatly appreciated.”
