Church banding together to help member




A Valley church is coming together to help one of its own.

The director of music for Friendship United Methodist Church in Athens suffers from Lou Gehrig's disease.

He desperately needs a new handicap van.

Lou gehrig's disease has left 51-year-old Dexter Greenhaw confined to a wheelchair.

He has severe muscle weakness and shortness of breath.

You won't hear him complain about it.

"Someone said we pray for you to be healed. I would rather you pray to give me strength," says Greenhaw.

Greenhaw doesn't let his disease get in the way of what he loves most, music.

Greenhaw spent 27 years as a band director and 17 years as director of music for Friendship United Methodist Church.

He still enjoys watching and listening to high school bands perform.

And even writes music for their half time shows.

"I've always been active. I'm not one to sit down and do nothing. I'm still active now but being provided a little mobility is wonderful," says Greenhaw.

Greenhaw's disease is progressing.

Soon he may not be able to get around at all.

Members of Friendship Methodist Church wanted to help.

They decided to raise money by having a chili supper, complete with cornbread and dessert.

"They are raising money to get me a van. So if it gets to a point I can't drive this one anymore, they can steer me in the van to go to the doctor and go see my children," says Greenhaw.

The handicap accessible van will cost around 17-thousand dollars.

If you would like to donate, you can call Friendship United Methodist Church in Athens.
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