There are two signs near the door of Michael Todd Wray’s Fountain Hills condo.

One over the door says “Wish it, Dream it, Do it.” The other is written on a chalk board next to the door, a simple sentiment, “Be Thankful.”

Early in his career Wray was the energetic go-getter ready and able to achieve great things.

Today he may be slowly dying from the inside out as his bones deteriorate.

He now must rely on others as he never envisioned – and he is appreciative of those who help him.

A graduate of Purdue University, Wray was working for Kimberly-Clark Corp. in international marketing when he was riding in a car that was involved in a collision in London, England.

All involved fortunately walked away from the accident, with Wray experiencing only a slight twinge in his arm, like it was jammed.

That accident Wray believes was the point his life began to spiral downward.

Over the past 11 years since the accident Wray has transformed from a triathlete to a man who moves very carefully with the help of a crutch. His arm is supported with a sling.

Wray began to experience blackouts leading to the conclusion he can no longer drive.

“The threat is that something as simple as a fall could sever my spinal cord,” Wray says.

The medical issues have caused Wray to lose his ability to work, several companies he had founded, a substantial net worth, his house and family.

Wray now finds he is dependent on the kindness of others, and he does not take that lightly. A friend and former business partner purchased the condo Wray lives in and allows him to stay there.

During an interview with a reporter a knock on the door means the arrival of a cheerful driver delivering a daily meal for Wray.

But it is the town’s Give-A-Lift program that is making the greatest impression on Wray.

“What makes Fountain Hills so special is that the people who have helped me the most are the ones with their own serious health or financial problems,” Wray said. “These people are heroes to me, the backbone that makes America great.”

Wray said he fell in love with Fountain Hills because of its sense of community and the willingness of neighbors to do whatever they can to help one another.

“These are total strangers helping me,” Wray said. “What they have volunteered to do are small gestures to them. I don’t think they understand they are helping to save my life.”

Give-A-Lift was established a few years back by the Town of Fountain Hills under the direction of Town Volunteer Coordinator Heather Ware. The town needed to take over a public transportation problem for the elderly and disabled after the county discontinued funding.

Ware said she currently has 22 drivers, but could use some more, particularly those who can handle special circumstances.

She describes one client as having a motorized scooter and needing a wheelchair when she goes out.

Ware said that driver needs to be able to help the woman from her scooter into the car, put the scooter back in the garage and load up a wheelchair.

“Not everyone can do that,” Ware said.

Wray reflects on what motivates these volunteer drivers.

“These are retirees who have been there,” Wray said. “They have some level of empathy and understand the need to give something back.

“It resonates with them that someday they may lose the ability to drive and will need help.

“When you can’t drive and lose your independence it can be very difficult to deal with. These little acts of kindness can make a difference.”

There is an application process for those interested in becoming a volunteer driver for Give-A-Lift. Applications are available at Town Hall, the Community Center and the library, or on the town website at www.fh.az.gov.

Those wanting additional information may contact Ware at 480-816-5108.