A small group has launched a fundraiser in hopes of supporting a well-known local photographer who has captured hundreds of community events for nearly two decades.
The Bluewater Cycling Organization recently shared a video to its platform with the goal of raising $15,000 to help cover the costs of therapies and equipment for Lou Sprenger.
As specified in the video, Sprenger lives with hereditary spastic paraplegia.
In an emailed statement to Sarnia News Today, Sprenger said the condition causes weakness and stiffness in his legs and the symptoms get worse over time.
"My condition presented itself in my mid-40s and continues to worsen. I now require either walking sticks, a walker, or to really get around a scooter," said Sprenger. "To slow down my paralysis I have a team consisting of a chiropractor, physiotherapist, trainers at the gym, as well as several doctors."
Sprenger said in order to stay at home, some renovations will need to be completed, including an outdoor stair lift. The bathroom will also need to be renovated to switch out the bathtub with a walk-in shower.
Friend and community advocate Josephine Ethier, Special Events Photographer Kerry Gabriel, and Bluewater Cycling Organization Operations Manager Kendel Ross partnered with True North Home Health to try to raise money to support Sprenger.
Ethier said she first approached Sprenger and his wife about the fundraising idea a few months ago.
"With tears of joy and happiness, and complete gratitude... maybe a little fight, we got through and he saw the bigger picture and knew that if he wanted to continue showing up that he would need some different amenities," Ethier said.
As of Wednesday morning, over $6,000 has been raised.
Ethier said the public response so far has been "impeccable."
"We are so grateful to the community," Ethier said. "There are a few different smaller organizations looking to chip in as well."
Aside from home modifications, funds raised will be used for specialized therapies, an upgraded power scooter, and car modifications to safely transport the scooter.
Sprenger said a full-sized scooter will allow him to climb over curbs and "go pretty much anywhere a person could go walking."
In the meantime, he purchased a slightly damaged scooter from True North Home Health.
"I'm finding it's giving me a wonderful new freedom and ability to go out and take pictures in places I haven't been able to reach for years now," Sprenger said.
Sprenger's work has been shared over social media and YourTV. He said his goal through photography has been to promote smaller events, their causes, and the fun at each initiative.
His dedication to supporting non-profit organizations and community events is what Ethier was drawn to when their friendship began.
"He is at every fundraising event, and community function, and is always capturing those moments," Ethier said. "Every time you mention his name within the community, everyone praises him and knows exactly who you're talking about, and he quite literally asks for nothing in return.