William “Scott” Baggett
“I never expected to be in this position. PPS will progress, but that does not mean I want to stop helping others.”
We’re grateful to the local news stations out of Tampa Bay, FL that have helped to amplify the campaign of 71-year-old William “Scott” Baggett, a perpetual volunteer who has changed lives with his therapy dog training and its community impact.
“I don’t think God’s through with me. I really don’t.”
After surviving polio at age 4, Scott enjoyed a mobile, active, and community-minded life for decades before beginning to contend with the debilitating symptoms of Post Polio Syndrome or PPS. After logging over 6,000 volunteer hours visiting kids in the area, plus participating in a first-of-its-kind study on the impact of therapy dogs on kids with cancer, Scott had to stop away from his volunteer work and hobbies due to PPS.
“All I’m trying to do is be independent. And I love helping people, so I want to keep doing this work.”
Today, his hope for continuing to be a “helper” in his community comes down to the out-of-pocket cost of a wheelchair accessible van. That’s why he’s turned to Help Hope Live for medical fundraising.
“I tell kids, this is not what defines you. You can do whatever you want to do. Do not let anybody tell you that you can’t do something – just look at me. Look at what I’m doing today.”
