Geneva Lions donate Go-Go Scooter to high school senior

On Nov. 29, the Geneva Lions Club donated a Go-Go Scooter to Geneva High School senior Carolena Larson. The scooter cost was more than $1,700.

Larson is a bright young woman who maintains a full academic schedule. Due to cerebral palsy and scoliosis, she has used a reverse walker to ambulate around the building. Using the reverse walker has been extremely slow, inefficient and exhausting for her. As a senior, Lena is hoping to attend Waubonsee Community College next fall. She would eventually like to transfer to a four-year university to major in German.

Carolena and her father, Rod Larson, pursued obtaining the scooter through their insurance company for more than a year without success. Tom Rogers, Geneva High School principal, approached Tim Vetang from the Geneva Lions Club about a month ago about Lena’s situation. The general membership voted unanimously on Nov. 21 to fulfill this need. Vetang personally picked up the scooter from Grimms Medical Supply and brought it to the school.

This scooter is even more important now as Lena is scheduled for back surgery in February. She will be able to return to school for her final semester of high school much quicker with the use of the scooter.

Geneva Lions Club president Howie Pribble, members Tom Rogers and Tim Vetang and numerous Geneva High School staff members were on hand when the scooter was presented to Lena and her father.

Upon seeing the scooter, Lena turned to the Geneva Lion Club members saying, “I can’t thank you enough.”

Her father said,“This will open so many doors for her. There will be no stopping her now.”

Lee Campana, Inclusion Facilitator and Lena’s teacher, said,“This scooter will bring her greater independence both at school and in the community. This is an amazing gesture by the Lions Club.”