Local man helps others, even after death

A local man who lost his fight to a life-threatening illness continues to help others facing the same challenge.   

Even though he's not alive to see it, the impact he's still making is a lasting one.   

You may remember Dan Keenen, a Grand Valley man suffering from ALS, a terminal illness better known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

He had the goal to pay off his wheelchair accessible van so when he died it could be handed down to another local family in need.

Dan passed away last November but his dream to help others in need was reached on Tuesday.

After raising more than $40 thousand, the van is nearly paid off, and now belongs to Greg Podgorny.

Greg was one of Dan’s closest friend's suffering from the same disease.

 “Dan picked Greg,” Dan’s brother Tom Keenan said. “He said I want Greg and Bonnie to have it when I’m done,”

“Its going to be huge, just the independence of being able to get in there and be able to run down to the store,” Greg said.

Greg and his wife are dedicated to the Keenan mobility van project.

They’ll pass the vehicle along to another family when they no longer have the need.

Dan’s family and friends continue to fundraise for the project and the future of the van.

Because there is no cure for ALS and life expectancy is short, it’s possible the van can help as many as ten Western Colorado families.

For more information on how you can donate or get involved, visit keenanvan.com