Dozens make run for money to help paralyzed Joe Kaluza

By Sean Barron

The former KFC restaurant manager continues to inspire many people, some participants said.

AUSTINTOWN — It’s been just more than 16 months since tragedy struck Joseph Kaluza, but people like Ron Seidner, Diana Hicks and Dave Dasen are still more than willing to reach out to him.

“It’s a beautiful thing to combine a love for riding with being able to help someone out,” explained Dasen, referring to a main reason he participated in the Joe Kaluza Benefit Motorcycle Run on Sunday that began at the Ice House Inn, 5516 W. Webb Road. “I’d do it anytime.”

Sponsoring the event was the Great Lakes Medieval Faire and Marketplace, off state Route 534 in Rock Creek, Ohio, in Ashtabula County.

The three, all from Struthers, were among several dozen motorcycle riders and others who bought tickets for $22 each to take part in the run, which ended at the faire.

The medieval faire is a 13th century family theme park that features crafts, re-enactments, artisans, rides and games. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends through Aug. 16.

Between $10 and $12 from each ticket is to go to Kaluza and his family to help them build a new home that’s more accessible to him. In his South Side residence, Kaluza is restricted to the living room and kitchen, noted his wife, Lisa.

Kaluza, a former manager of a KFC restaurant on Youngstown’s South Side, was shot in the neck during a robbery March 24, 2008, and paralyzed from the neck down. Since he has to use a wheelchair, property was recently bought so the family can build a new home, in their neighborhood that will allow him greater mobility.

Hicks said she saw a poster mentioning the run and wanted to take part on behalf of Kaluza and his family.

In addition, Kaluza is an inspiration to others, and the way he views life after the tragedy “is pretty amazing,” added Seidner.

“He’s a wonderful man to work with, someone who has this incredible spirit,” said Grace Swan-Rickard, a licensed practical nurse who’s helped to take care of Kaluza since he returned home last summer from the Cleveland Clinic.

Grace Swan-Rickard, a co-coordinator of the event, called Kaluza “an inspiration to all of us,” saying he never wallows in self-pity. Instead, he’s grateful for all of the support his situation has garnered.

Also happy to assist with the event was Swan-Rickard’s daughter, Tamara, who handled much of the public-relations work and advertising. Kaluza’s being a “normal person with a family” and having to endure such difficult circumstances resonates with many people, she explained.