Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Good Fellowship member overcomes disability
For the past 14 years, John Langdon has remained a career/volunteer member
What was supposed to be an afternoon of fun at a friend’s house turned out to be a life-altering experience for 9-year-old John Langdon.
Langdon, his brother and his brother’s friend were playing “war.”
“My brother’s friend captured me and threw me into some bushes, which were near a road,” Langdon recalled.
In pursuit of the other boy, Langdon scrambled out of the bushes, checked to see if any cars were coming and crossed the street. “Out of nowhere came a car and slammed into me on my left side,” he said.
Unconscious and not breathing, Langdon was flown to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with head and leg injuries.
“At the hospital, I ‘died’ for a few minutes, was brought back miraculously and ended up in a coma for three weeks,” he recounted. “Unfortunately, I was left with a disability. My left hand was paralyzed from the elbow down.”
The ordeal, which took place 25 year ago, devastated him. In time, Langdon learned to live with his disability.
“Yes, I have a disability and yes, it was unwanted, but there it is. Either I give up or give it all I’ve got and do the best I can to be a productive member of the community,” said the now 34-year-old.
Born and raised in West Chester, Langdon was educated in the West Chester Area School District
and graduated from West Chester Henderson High School in 2000.
“The only thing on my mind after graduation was obtaining my driver’s license,” said Langdon.
Soon after, he began volunteering at Fame Fire Company No. 3 of West Chester. “I didn’t get involved in the ‘fun stuff’ like firefighting,” said Langdon. “My responsibilities were fundraising, washing the fire trucks and maintenance.”
Taking a suggestion from a friend, Langdon decided to check out the Good Fellowship Club of West Chester.
Langdon liked the organization so much that he inquired about a paying job. “I’m doing maintenance again,” he said. “A three-story building will keep you busy; there’s always something to clean.”
For the past 14 years, Langdon has remained a career/volunteer member with the Good Fellowship Club.
Timothy N. Bossert, business director, praised Langdon for his upbeat attitude. “Always a smile on his face, eager to do what needs to be accomplished. He’s a good representative of the organization.”