Orillia, Ontario — An elderly man is relying on community support after a brutal attack last year left him grappling with severe mobility issues. Henry Lemieux, 68, now finds himself almost entirely confined to his home due to the lingering effects of a violent street assault that fractured his pelvis.
To help afford an electric wheelchair crucial for his mobility, a GoFundMe campaign titled “Let’s Get Henry Mobile Again!” has been launched by local resident Chris Raseta. The campaign has a fundraising goal of $5,000 and has so far raised $477, but Lemieux needs more support to regain some independence in his daily life.
Raseta shared that since returning home in December, Lemieux has ventured outside only a few times, fearing instability with every step. “His life has changed so drastically,” she noted, emphasizing the isolation he faces due to his condition.
The incident occurred last April while Lemieux was outside his downtown apartment, where he lives above a business. Positioned on crutches due to severe osteoporosis, he was chatting with a friend when another woman unexpectedly assaulted him. After the police apprehended the assailant—who was later convicted of assault—Lemieux was rushed to Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital for treatment. The diagnosis revealed a broken pelvis, leading to a lengthy recovery process that included a month and a half in the hospital and several months of rehabilitation.
“I was in so much pain, lying down to eat because I couldn’t sit,” recalled Lemieux, who was eventually placed in a care facility for seven months to ensure he received adequate support. Despite these efforts, Lemieux’s doctors warned him that his quality of life would be permanently affected.
Raseta explained that getting Lemieux back to his apartment became a challenge due to a staircase he couldn’t climb. North Simcoe Victim Services stepped in to help, installing a stair lift, providing a wearable panic button, and adding grab bars to his bathroom. Despite these modifications, Lemieux still struggles with daily tasks that were once routine.
His financial situation further complicates matters. Living on Old Age Security and the Canada Pension Plan, he manages to cover his essential needs but finds himself unable to afford the electric wheelchair he requires. Lemieux has been fitted for a specialized wheelchair costing over $12,000, with some assistance available through the Ontario Assistive Devices Program covering 75% of the cost. However, he must pay approximately $3,700 upfront before the device can be ordered.
“They won’t even process the order without payment,” Raseta said, expressing frustration over the delays Lemieux faces in receiving the much-needed chair.
Lemieux longs for the freedom an electric wheelchair would bring him. He stated, “If I could get to the Metro or the bank, I’d be able to do my own thing.” His desire for independence resonates deeply with those who know him, as he has always been an active and social member of the community.
Raseta emphasized the importance of raising the necessary funds, saying, “Henry has been isolated for over a year now, and it’s essential we help him reclaim some of that independence.” The ongoing campaign serves as a reminder of the impact community support can have on individuals facing extraordinary challenges.