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Updated: 9:28 PM Jun 9, 2009
Cross-Country On a Wheelchair
WCTV's Kim Carapucci tells us the story of a homeless, disabled veteran who's driving his wheelchair across the country, determined to make a difference.
Posted: 5:59 PM Jun 9, 2009Reporter: Kim Carapucci Email Address: kim.carapucci@wctv.tv |
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He's homeless and in dire need of a heart transplant yet, this disabled veteran is determined to make a difference. And to do it, he's driving his wheelchair across the country. But as Eyewitness News Reporter Kim Carapucci explains, he's taking it one mile at a time.
Crossing a busy street in Valdosta, David Whittaker is a thousand miles closer to crossing the country on his wheelchair.
"The doctors don't think I can make it, so I'm gonna prove that I can make it," said Whittaker.
He's only 53 years old, but David's heart is failing. In fact, he's died on two different occasions, and yet, he can't get the help he needs.
"I'll remember these words forever. She said, 'Mr. Whittaker, we understand you need a heart transplant, but a heart's a very precious thing and we can't just give a heart to anybody and we can't give you a heart. You're homeless,'" said Whittaker.
It was then David decided he didn't want any other homeless veteran to go through what he has.
"I take it one mile at a time. One mile at a time. I never know what lies ahead," said Whittaker.
And now, he's taking a five thousand mile trip from Florida to Washington to raise awareness.
"I don't want people to feel sorry for me. I'm out here because I want to be out here," said Whittaker.
David knows it's dangerous and his health is deteriorating , but he's determined to leave a legacy.
"If I'm going to die from this heart that I've got, I wanna go out making a difference," said Whittaker.
For more information about David Whittaker's mission to help homeless veterans, visit www.hhva.veterancottages.org. Whittaker is being tracked by GPS and guests can find out where he is by visiting that website.
Latest Comments
I met David at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. My GM, Mr. Tubbs gave him a comp room. Working the front desk Saturday night,I talked to him in the lobby. My co-worker Lynn and I ordered him a pizza. As I was leaving @ 2 AM, David was in lobby and we talked. I had to hear his story. To hear a Medical advisor tell him the heart is a precious thing, but not qualified because he is homeless? Well, how about I give him my address? Honestly, if I had the extra bedroom I would take him in. Hey did you all see the movie Sickooo?? That is what's Really going on in our country. What about our US Vets? These men fought and are fighting for OUR Country!!! Hello... they deserve a hell of a lot more don't ya think??? Why are there so many homeless Vets? yet... Our government is giving Billions of dollars to major companies. God Bless You David and may you make it all the way to Washington. Take it easy OK and keep in touch. Thinking about you every day. Your friend, Arlene
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