Kathy Cunningham, who lost her brother, Donald Robertson, in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, met U.S. Marine Corporal Scott Nokes during the annual 1WTC stair climb sponsored by the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Corporal Nokes, 26, served two tours in Afghanistan with the Marines and picked up an infection that cost him most of his eyesight and his legs. He climbed 104 flights during the event on his prosthetics.
Cunningham is now raising funds so that the Siller Foundation can build Nokes a “smart” home, reports Austin Bogues for the Asbury Park Press. These homes are custom-built to meet the needs of each veteran who receives one. Stoves and counters can be raised and lowered with a tablet, doors are automatic, and other conveniences are installed to make daily tasks easier for the veteran.
So far, Cunningham has raised $200,000 towards Nokes’ “smart” house and hopes to break ground on it next year.
