By Rick King

Contributing Writer

On Saturday, Sept. 19, Jim Reichard hosted a golf tournament at Green Meadows Golf Course in North East on behalf of Chosen Inc., which is located on W. 26th St., in Erie. 

Months ago, Reichard fell 30 feet from a metal roof and sustained injuries that would have him life flighted and placed in the hospital for one month and a nursing home for another two. 

He had lost the ability to use his hands and he shared how humbling it was to require assistance feeding himself and using the facilities. 

Although Reichard has good insurance, when it came time for him to go home to his wife and five children, his insurance did not cover the items necessary to assist his rehabilitation in the company of his family. At that point, his physical therapist referred him to Chosen.

Chosen is a multi-faceted, domestic and international nonprofit ministry that has partnered over the last five years with Mercyhurst Sports Medicine and Public Health, Gannon Engineering and Physical Therapy and Hamot Orthopedic teams to assist poor communities in the Yucatan of Mexico. 

In addition to the international outreach with Erie partners, Chosen provides durable home health care equipment to the residents of Erie and surrounding areas at no cost.

Chosen provided Reichard with equipment that would allow him to rehabilitate in the presence of his loved ones. He received a walker, scooter and bed rails. 

At the end of his rehabilitation, he donated a portable ramp to Chosen, and to express his gratitude, organized the bogey golfers golf tournament at Green Meadows which generated $1,400 that was directed to Chosen’s operations. 

Twelve golfers participated with sponsorship and played a course that displayed Bible verses on the back nine holes. 

Reichard has every intention of making this an annual event and golfers of all skill levels are welcome. He does not see any reason for the event not to grow.

“As long as we keep our faith and keep our eyes on God,” Reichard said.

His gratitude can be easily heard in his voice and the fact that he is using his hands again and using them to play golf is a miracle in his eyes.

If interested in donating financially to Chosen, a check can be mailed to 3638 W. 26th St., Erie, PA 16505. 

If preferred to donate digitally, text “chosenacts4u” to 77977. 

If anyone has equipment needs, and does not have the necessary financial resources, give Chosen a call at 814-833-3023.