Anita Dame is doing what big sisters do – taking charge.
“Someone’s got to help,” she says, stoic and strong beside her paralyzed brother.
Cordell Dame continues to push ahead with his recovery and can now walk a few steps with the help of a cane.
He and his family are slowly accepting the January court verdict that found the man who sucker-punched him during a drunken argument two years ago not guilty of aggravated assault.
“We need to move on from that,” says Anita Dame.
Cordell was knocked unconscious by Trevor Harding after they got into an argument over hockey on April 30 2011, near Shooter’s Pub in Maple Ridge.
He sustained injuries to his face and brain that left him in a coma for more than a month.
He still remains partially paralyzed, unable to move his left arm.
Cordell owned and ran his own business, Clean-Pro Janitorial, before the fight left him with life-altering injuries.
His wife Tina has struggled to keep the business afloat for the past two years.
Anita Dame and her siblings are now organizing a fundraiser for Cordell and his family to keep them from sinking deeper into debt.
“We are in financial distress. If we don’t get things figured out, they are going to go bankrupt,” she says.
Dame is looking for donations for a silent auction that will be held as part of a fundraiser July 6 at Witch of Endor Pub. The fundraiser starts at 6 p.m.
Donate
• If you have items to donate, call 604-465-1826 or email tdame2033@yahoo.ca.