The Joseph Groh Foundation has awarded grant assistance to Ralph  Pouncey, helping him obtain a MyoCycle Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) bike as he works to rebuild  strength and independence following a devastating spinal cord injury. 

Pouncey has spent nearly 30 years building a career in the skilled trades. Beginning at age 16, he worked  alongside his uncle before completing HVAC technical training and advancing through a variety of roles. His  career included work as a technician, service manager for a major school district, and later industrial support  for large-scale manufacturing operations. Known for his steady work ethic and commitment to quality,  Pouncey built a career centered on hands-on service and providing for his family. 

That path changed in May 2024 when he fell 30 feet from his back deck while clearing a tree damaged by a  tornado at his home. The accident resulted in a T3 ASA A complete spinal cord injury, leaving him unable to  continue in the physically demanding work that had defined his career. 

As the primary provider for his household, the injury created immediate financial strain through lost income,  mounting medical expenses, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining stability at home. 

During rehabilitation, Pouncey learned about The Joseph Groh Foundation through the facility where he was  receiving care. There, he also experienced the benefits of using an FES bike, equipment designed to stimulate  muscle movement and improve circulation for individuals living with paralysis. For Pouncey, the results were  

meaningful. He reported improvements in breathing and oxygen levels, along with renewed hope for what  recovery could look like. 

Seeking to continue that progress at home, Pouncey applied for assistance to secure a MyoCycle FES bike,  which was not otherwise available through local therapy providers in his area. His goal is to maintain his  health, reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots, and continue rebuilding the strength and  confidence needed to return to work in some capacity. 

By helping fund access to specialized rehabilitation equipment, The Joseph Groh Foundation’s network of  donors is investing in Pouncey’s long-term recovery and determination to reclaim a sense of purpose. 

His story reflects both the physical demands of a life in the trades and the resilience required to navigate life  after a severe injury. Visit josephgrohfoundation.org to learn more about this year’s grant recipients and the  paths to recovery created by our generous donors.

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.