In 1995, at 19 years old, Kurtis Gross was in a car accident that left him quadriplegic. Gross is a Tarleton State University alumnus, having graduated as the outstanding graduate for the School of Business in the Spring of 2002. He earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in economics with a minor in finance. Gross and his family are now turning to the Tarleton community for support through an automobile contest.

Gross is currently participating in a Local Heroes contest sponsored by the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. The prize of the contest is a wheelchair-accessible van. Gross’ wife Shelly spoke about what it would mean for their family if they won this competition.

“A new van would allow us to get Kurt to and from work, our boys’ activities, and his commitments without worry from a safety and financial aspect,” Mrs. Gross said. “It would change our lives. His daily struggle with health and emotional fortitude should also not be compounded by unreliable mobility – mobility which helps him sustain his independence.”

The competition, which the Gross’ learned about through their current dealership, Adaptive Driving, is won through a voting system. The Gross’ is asking the Tarleton community to help them by voting for Gross.

Upon visiting the website, htttp://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/entrant/kurtis-gross-katy-tx/ people can sign in and vote daily. There is also an opportunity for participans to answer a question and get a double vote. The contest ends May 9.

Mrs. Gross said she is optimistic about their chances, even though they still need a large amount of help to get to the top of the competition.

“Kurtis will need to quadruple the number of votes he has now to be considered for the van, [but] I know with Tarleton’s support it can happen,” Mrs. Gross said.