FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — The Joseph Groh Foundation proudly announces its role in bringing much-needed relief and support to Christine, a remarkable woman facing an extraordinary medical challenge. As the closing grant recipient of 2024, Christine’s story highlights the transformative power of community and compassion.
Christine’s journey began after contracting COVID-19, which led to the development of a rare condition known as Necrotizing Autoimmune Myelopathy. This debilitating illness, affecting only about 22 cases in the United States, caused paralysis from the waist down, loss of bowel and bladder control, and significant weakness in her hands and wrists. After extensive stays at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Christine and her husband, Eugene, faced overwhelming challenges as they prepared for her return home to Framingham.
Eugene, a foreman for the James W. Flett Company, found himself balancing the emotional and financial weight of their situation. With Christine requiring essential items — such as a hospital therapy bed, a ramp for their home, a shower chair, and other necessary equipment — the financial toll became increasingly daunting.
“We are down to one income, and there were so many things Christine needed before she could come home,” Eugene shared. “Our lives have changed forever, but Christine just wants to come home and get back to living as best she can.”
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, The Joseph Groh Foundation was able to step in and provide Christine and Eugene with the essential items needed to make her homecoming possible. With their home now equipped to meet Christine’s needs, she can focus on rehabilitation and adjusting to her new reality.
In a heartfelt note to the foundation, Christine expressed her gratitude: “We are so incredibly grateful for your generous gift. It has taken an enormous amount of anxiety and stress off of us, and it is people like you that we will be forever grateful for. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you and God bless!”
As The Joseph Groh Foundation reflects on 2024, we are profoundly thankful for the sponsors who make this life-changing work possible. Their support allows us to bring hope and relief to families like Christine’s, and we are determined to expand our reach even further in 2025, helping more individuals and families in need.