John J Thibault John J Thibault

A Helping Hand

It all begins with an idea.

Life can be challenging, and sometimes it throws us not just unexpected curveballs but painful ones. Marine Corporal Michell Yanez of South Indy was hit with a life event that all parents fear. Her nine-year-old son was hit by a car resulting in long-term injuries and bounding him to a wheelchair. A single mother of six, she needed help getting a wheelchair ramp built for her home and some other modifications to fit her family’s new needs.

After hearing the news, Dennis Leblanc with the Marine Corps League, Hiam Bear Detachment reached out to the Marine Foundation of Indiana in a collaboration effort to get Michell the fund to cover material and labor costs. However, we didn’t stop there. In living up to the Marine Corps motto of “Semper Fidelis” or “Always Faithful” our President, John Thibault, along with members of the Marine Corps League and other volunteers decided to build the wheelchair ramp themselves to ensure Michell and her family had it as soon as possible.

The Marine Foundation of Indiana and its members wish Michell and her family all the best. We are always here for you and any fellow Marine in need. Semper Fidelis!

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