Who are we?
Patty West
founder/President
Patty and her husband Ray live in Hendersonville TN. Patty’s son, Scott has FA and is currently living with them.
She found that she was not the only parent who was concerned over the continued cared for Scott if she became unable to care for him. This sparked a drive in her to create a place for adults with physical disabilities.
Not only will this serve the disabled person, but also the parents of these children. The name “The Place of Purposed” came from the desire to give a place for adults with physical disabilities to live and support a purpose for their life.
David Cummings
SecretARY
David Cummings is a PA with a Cardiology group in NC. He and his wife Robin have a son Colin with FA. Originally from southwest Michigan, he and his family now live in Raleigh NC.
David reached out to our group through the FAPG (Friedreich’s Ataxia parent group) and is now serving as Secretary for The Place of Purpose (POP).
David and Robin know first hand the emotional strain on parents and children struggling with FA. “Colin continues to struggle and is now mostly in a wheelchair. Watching him and helping him get up after he falls breaks my heart.
Edward Stith
Treasurer
Ed and his wife Kristin live in San Diego CA. Ed served in the United States Marine Corps for over twenty years and is a retired Chief Warrant Officer. He is currently a Financial Analyst with DEL REY Systems & Technology, Inc. since 2006.
Ed’s passion for assisting physically disabled community stems from his direct exposure to a longtime friend who has Friedreich’s Ataxia. Ed believes that provided the right opportunity, atmosphere, and some assistance that those with physical disabilities could achieve their independence at The Place of Purpose Community.
Ed looks forward to this adventure and is determined to help others find independence to accomplish their goals and realize their purpose in life.
Terry Hendrickson
vice president/administrative officer
John Lagedrost
SecretARY
John has been passionately involved with the FA community for 11+ years, running numerous marathons with friends and family to fundraise for Friedreich’s ataxia research. His younger sister, Joanna, was diagnosed with FA at an early age and passed away in 2018.
When he first learned about The Place of Purpose, John was eager to get involved, as it represented the exact type of community that his family sought but was never able to find for Joanna.
He hopes that this organization’s efforts will provide an answer for FA and physically disabled families seeking a long-term housing and care solution. John is based out of Chicago and works as a management consultant.
Our Mission
PLACE: WHY WE EXIST
Living with a physical disability is a real struggle, financially, physically, and emotionally. Sharing these struggles with others will lessen their burden.
PURPOSE: GOD HAS A PLAN FOR EACH OF US
We want to assist in finding success for each of our residents. We want them to become active in society both economically and socially.
RESULTS: WHAT WE EXPECT
We intend for our place to be uplifting, and bring hope, courage, strength, and prosperity to our families.