For Lawrence Spino Jr., a career in the skilled trades was built on hard work, long hours and pride in doing the job well. At 31, however, Spino faced a very different reality after a senseless act of violence changed his life forever.

Spino worked as a sheet metal fabricator and installer in Illinois with DCS Mechanical from 2015 to 2020, gaining experience fabricating and installing sheet metal, insulating ductwork and making cleats. He eventually operated the burn table, also known as a plasma cutter, where he averaged 35 to 50 sheets a day.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty to the industry, Spino was out of work for nearly a year. Determined to continue building his career, he applied to Local 265 and was accepted into its apprenticeship program in 2022.

Spino began working with State Mechanical, a commercial pipefitting and sheet metal shop that built projects for Costco, Amazon and other commercial warehouses, as well as high-rise apartment complexes in Chicago. He was nearing the completion of his first year as an apprentice when his life took an unimaginable turn.

On June 23, 2024, Spino was working weekends as a Lyft driver to earn extra money when he was shot in the neck during an attempted carjacking. The shooting resulted in a spinal cord injury and C4 quadriplegia, with limited movement on his left side.

The injury abruptly ended the career Spino had worked so hard to build. He is now dependent on caregivers and lives with his mother as he continues navigating the challenges of life with a spinal cord injury.

“I no longer can work, so this impacts me greatly. I am in a wheelchair and can no longer use my hands. I used to work 10-12 hour days, five days a week and Saturday.”

As Spino began researching resources that could help him adapt to his new circumstances, he discovered The Joseph Groh Foundation online. He reached out to the Foundation for assistance with modifying the bathroom at his mother’s condominium.

Through the generosity of The Joseph Groh Foundation’s donors, Spino received critical bathroom modifications, including replacement of the existing bathtub and toilet and improvements throughout the space to make it more accessible to his needs.

For Spino, the modifications have provided more than increased accessibility. They have restored a measure of independence to an everyday part of his life.

“Having a shower that I can use will be life-changing. I took bed baths for quite some time. There is no comparison.”

Spino knows the road ahead will be long, but he remains hopeful about what the future may hold. Inspired by the support of The Joseph Groh Foundation’s donors, he looks toward the future with a desire to help others facing similar challenges.

“I was a victim of a tragic crime. I was living my life, and then it was abruptly changed by a senseless act. I am only 31 years old. I know this will be a long journey. I do miss working every day. I would like to work in the health care field, speaking with other spinal cord injury/crime victim patients.”

Visit josephgrohfoundation.org to read more inspiring stories and learn about the other grant recipients.

About The Joseph Groh Foundation:

Established in 2009, The Joseph Groh Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals within the contracting and construction trades who face permanent, truly life-altering disabilities. To date, the foundation has provided financial assistance totaling $1.5 million to 150 families with connections to the contracting and construction trades in 38 states. Assistance has ranged from wheelchair accessible vans and home/bath remodels to assistive technology, rehab equipment, home repairs, and more. The foundation also offers a pathway for contractors to offer short and long-term disability insurance to contractors through its website. The Foundation’s inception is rooted in a profound event on Father’s Day of 2008. Joe Groh, an HVAC industry veteran, experienced a life-altering accident during a bicycle ride, resulting in high-level quadriplegia. Despite the challenges, Joe’s resilience inspired the creation of this foundation. His story and our mission can be explored further on our website at www.josephgrohfoundation.org.