Associations, Giving Back, People

Joseph Groh Foundation Provides Cheelcare Grant to Allen Daniels Jr.

October 18, 2022

Allen Daniels Jr. was a field estimator for PG&E, (Pacific Gas and Electric) and in that role he prepared work to be estimated by gathering proposals, blueprints, specifications, and other related documents using QuickBooks, SAP and AdHoc software. He monitored forecast plans and maintained contact with clients regarding changes in same. He also inspected outside plants, overhead assets and underground vaults, monitoring the plan of action for underground conduits, transformers, and hazards.

On May 1, 2021, he became paralyzed as a result of a car accident!

The accident fractured his cervical vertebrae at C3, C5, and C6, and he also sustained a fracture of his L2 and L3 vertebrae. He was pronounced deceased at the scene yet survived but was paralyzed from the waist down. As a result of the accident, Allen was no longer able to work and had to go on SSI

Allen Daniels Jr. with his Cheelcare Companion

He was in a manual wheelchair and it was difficult to traverse the hills of Southern California. Allen requested a device called Cheelcare Companion, which is a lightweight, quick release detachable, power assist device for manual wheelchairs. Upon receiving this, Allen said, “Thank you sir! Your foundation has made it possible for me to dramatically extend the range I can travel.”

This is the second time the foundation has provided one of these devices to a manual wheelchair user, enabling navigation of hilly terrain and extending the user’s range without excessive tiring. Thanks to our sponsors who made this possible.

About the Joseph Groh Foundation
Joseph “Joe” S. Groh began his HVACR industry career working for contracting firms, installing residential and light commercial equipment. In 1977 he went to work for Lennox Industries, Inc. as an Inside Sales Representative in Chicago. Over the years, he advanced through various positions with Lennox in Ohio, Texas, North Carolina and back to Chicago.

In 1998, Joe left Lennox to become Director of Marketing for a Chicago-based HVAC distributor and in 2000, Joe moved with his family back to Dallas to become Director of Product Development for Titus. In August of 2006, Joe left Titus to become Vice President of Sales and Marketing for PCI industries, Inc. in Fort Worth.

On Father’s Day of 2008, following a day spent with family, Joe decided to go for an aerobic bike ride along the trails of Lake Grapevine. At one point, the trail turned sharply left and the front tire of Joe’s mountain bike slid on some sand and off the trail. Joe was thrown headfirst over the handlebars, breaking his neck and damaging his spinal cord at the C-4 vertebra. Knowing that life had suddenly and unalterably changed, Joe vowed to never look back, never give up, and to remain positive.

Establishing this 501(c)(3) tax-deductible foundation was Joe’s way of giving back to the construction trades industry by

  • Providing extensive information for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers through The Joseph Groh Foundation website links page
  • Providing financial assistance for those connected to the contracting industry who are living with life-altering disabilities
  • Advocating for pathways to affordable short/long-term disability insurance for employees of small businesses in the contracting industry

To find out more about, donate to or sponsor The Joseph Groh Foundation visit their website.