By JONEL ALECCIA
Mail Tribune

During the two decades he’s been a client of Living Opportunities, the 60-year-old Medford man has had to struggle more than most folks to forge a life for himself.

In addition to developmental disabilities, he has a physical impairment that makes walking very difficult. A speech impediment also makes it hard for people to understand him.

Still, he has confronted the challenges with gumption and grace, says Bob Brazeau, program manager for CAP, the Community Assistance Program.

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The man holds a job and lives on less than $600 a month, which pays for rent, food, clothing and other living expenses.

Despite his disabilities and his meager income, the man is generous to his friends and loved ones. The past two years have been difficult for the man, who lost two sisters — his closest family members — to illness.

Lately, arthritis in his joints has made mobility even more difficult and painful, but the man hasn’t slowed down — or even complained, Brazeau says.

"To see the freedom and the release of the frustration in his life, you just have to say ‘Wow,’" Brazeau says. "For him, it’s a capital ‘W,’ capital ‘O,’ capital ‘W.’ You just can’t help but be humbled."

The man has never had new furniture. He’s usually happy with second-hand offerings. This holiday season, however, organizers at the program that enrolls 37 clients would like to get him something new. They’re collecting donations toward the purchase of a new recliner, a fancy one with massage and heat, the better to soothe his bones.

To donate, call Brazeau or staff worker Don Senter at 779-9832. Contributions can be mailed to Living Opportunities Inc., P.O. Box 1105, Medford, OR 97501, or delivered to 861 Valley View Drive, Medford.

For more information about "Light One Candle," contact reporter JoNel Aleccia at 776-4465.