UPDATE ( March 20): A Lakeland U.S. Army veteran who suffered a traumatic brain injury 15 years after his service, received a life changing gift from strangers over the weekend.
On Saturday, more than 50 volunteers from different roofing companies around the bay area came together to donate a new roof that would have cost $10,000.
The volunteers were able to finish the roof before half the day was over.
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ORIGINAL STORY (March 16): A Lakeland U.S. Army veteran who suffered a traumatic brain injury 15 years after his service, is getting a life changing gift from strangers.
Adam Allen, was left paralyzed on his right side in 2003 after he was attacked with a hammer while on a job site.
After the attack, Allen learned to talk, walk and move all over again, "they thought I was going to die," he said.
Visible scars on the top of his head are a reminder of the pain he endured since the attack.
"They cut both sides, I guess."
In 2010, Allen became a part of the adaptive sports program at the James A. Haley VA hospital where he became part of the Paralyzed Veterans of America race team.
He now competes on the cycling team with the VIP Warriors in Central Florida.
"It takes me about ten miles to get warmed up," he said.
After years of giving back by helping other veterans, Allen was selected to be the recipient of something that he's long needed, a new roof.
Allen walks inside his home where water stains take over the ceiling, the garage roof is rotting and the shingles have blown away.
The VA chose Allen as a perfect candidate for an outreach project with Black Daggers Military Hunt Club.
On Saturday, March 18, two roofing associations will volunteer their time and supplies to give Allen a new roof.
Tri-County Roofing Contractors Association and West Coast Roofing Contractors Association will give the $10,000 roof free of charge.
The donation will allow Allen to focus on the road that's ahead of him.
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