While Gregory Perry, 29, is learning to walk again after spinal cord reconstructive surgery, he finds himself playing the role of a counselor and spiritual motivator to others facing the same problem.

        “I have probably talked to a hundred people interested in knowing about the surgery and at least three people here who need the surgery,” Mr. Perry said.

        Wilma Rosser, whose nephew, Donald Rosser, 29, was paralyzed from the chest down since suffering a gunshot wound as Mr. Perry was, wants to know about it.

        “She really wants her nephew to have the surgery,” Mr. Perry said. “I have not talked with him, but I want to pass on any encouragement I can. It has to come from inside him if he wants it because it is serious and it takes a lot of hard work.”

        Mrs. Rosser said her nephew was shot last April and is being cared for by his mother.

        Dr. Carl C. Kao, a neurosurgeon who directs a spinal cord clinic in Washington, D.C., has set surgery for Mr. Rosser in August in Quito, Ecuador. Dr. Kao performed the surgery on Mr. Perry last August in the same place.

        Dr. Kao said he has performed the surgery at Georgetown University and Boston University hospitals, but insurance would not pay because the surgery is not sanctioned by the federal government. That is why he does the surgery in Ecuador.

        A benefit for Mr. Rosser is set from 7-10 p.m., Friday at Heirs Family Worship, 10164 Princeton Glendale Road, West Chester.

        “Our goal is to raise $34,000 for the trip and surgery,” Mrs. Rosser said.

        Mr. Perry spends his days on parallel bars and strengthening equipment at his home in Silverton.

        “I am satisfied with my progress,” he said. Mr. Perry uses the bars about 15 times a day, taking 15-20 steps each time. “It really makes me tired, but this is what it takes. I am determined to walk again.”

        The Warren County Compeer, volunteers who serve as advocates, mentors and friends to adults being treated for mental health and emotional problems, will celebrate Compeer Friendship Week, April 21-27.

        The celebration will include recognizing volunteers in the program who donated more than 1,100 service hours to work with 40 clients.

        The volunteers are: Renee Alper and Aneita Zoutendam, Mason; the Rev. Florence Beaujon, Howard Eckstein, Peter Kurtz and Wendell Wilson, Maineville; Thelma Baty and Darlene Evans, Franklin; Dick Lee, Yvonne France, and Rosalie Yoakam, Springboro; Tina Day, Gini Haffner, Esther Klammer, Bruce Lanich, and Daphne Morrison, Lebanon; Namita Vadhera, Bellbrook; Dan Gerlach, Middletown; Jim Campbell, Miamisburg and Jackie Orsi, Morrow.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.

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