News Summary
An 83-year-old Navy veteran in Phoenix faced mobility challenges after a hospital stay. Her friend and fellow veteran worked tirelessly to replace her worn lift chair, leading to community support and a new chair that greatly improved her quality of life. Their bond underscores the power of friendship and community during tough times.
Phoenix Community Rallies to Support Navy Veteran with Lift Chair Challenge
PHOENIX – An 83-year-old Navy veteran named Beth Anne recently received much-needed assistance after spending three challenging months in the hospital due to a broken arm. While in recovery, her best friend, Martha—also a Navy veteran—worked tirelessly to repair or replace a critical lift chair, which is vital for Beth Anne’s independence and safety.
For Beth Anne, the hospital stay was a difficult ordeal marked by physical pain and emotional distress. She described the experience as “the worst three months of my life,” during which her mobility was severely limited. Following her discharge, she faced challenges getting out of her chair due to her injury, which raised her concerns about falling again.
In response to Beth Anne’s situation, Martha recognized the importance of the lift chair in maintaining her friend’s quality of life. With the capability to assist Beth Anne in standing up or sitting down safely, the chair plays a crucial role in her daily routines. Martha reached out to a local furniture repair store to look into options for fixing or replacing the worn-out chair. However, complications arose when the store contacted La-Z-Boy for a necessary part to repair the lift chair. They were informed that they could not sell the part under warranty because Martha was not the original owner.
Determined to find a solution, Beth Anne suggested contacting a local news organization that assists consumers with similar issues. The effort transferred the case to Terry, a volunteer for the Better Business Bureau. Terry reached out to La-Z-Boy, only to discover that the part needed for the repair had been discontinued. Faced with this roadblock, Terry did not give up and continued searching for an alternative solution for Beth Anne.
Terry’s persistence bore fruit when he managed to negotiate a deal on a new lift chair, which was available at a nearby La-Z-Boy store and currently on sale. Additionally, to further support Beth Anne, the store manager offered her a significant discount of 50% on the new chair, allowing her to obtain a much-needed comfort item at a fraction of the cost.
Upon receiving the new lift chair, Beth Anne expressed immense gratitude, noting that it was “phenomenal” and significantly enhanced her comfort and mobility. She reflected on how receiving this chair not only met her physical needs but also served as a reminder of the enduring friendship and support she shares with Martha. This experience proved to be both gratifying and humbling for her.
Martha emphasized the strong bond they share, referring to it as a sisterhood. The two veterans exemplify mutual support, which has been a significant aspect of their relationship throughout the years. Together, they navigate life’s challenges, always finding ways to uplift and assist one another. Their story highlights the impact of community support during difficult times.
For others facing consumer issues, there are resources available. Individuals can seek assistance via email, allowing them to access support and services designed to help resolve similar challenges. This case serves as a poignant reminder of the power of community, friendship, and determination.
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Additional Resources
- ABC15: Valley Veteran Gets Lift from Let ABC15 Know After Chair Repair Nightmare
- Wikipedia: Veterans in the United States
- Fox10 Phoenix: 8-Year-Old Dangling Ski Lift Rescue Video
- Google Search: Veteran Support Groups
- Phoenix New Times: Arizona Democratic Party Chair Blames Racism for Ouster Attempt
- Google Scholar: Community Support Initiatives
- Sky at Night: Webb Solves Phoenix Cluster Star Formation Mystery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Support
- Florida Phoenix: Florida Republicans Blast Biden’s Removal of Cuba from List of State Sponsors of Terrorism
- Google News: Veteran Assistance Programs
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
