“You need to get combine steps.”
Brad Plunkett, a farmer who was served at On With Life in 2021 due to a glioblastoma, was passionate about adding upgraded farming equipment to On With Life's therapy grounds in Ankeny. The primary goal he was working towards in therapy was being able to climb back up into his combine; however, the tractor available and playground equipment he practiced on didn’t have the same effect.
Brad then made the decision to donate half a truckload of corn ($2,500) to On With Life so that a combine could be brought to campus and helped sketch out a rudimentary plan of how it could work. Unfortunately, Brad passed away just months later in January 2022. Knowing how much this project meant to him, his family proceeded with making the donation, and On With Life committed to driving his idea forward.
“Through the kindness, generosity and talent of a lot of people with a vision, this project came together,” said Brad’s wife, Karmen Plunkett.
On With Life brought Brad’s idea and sketch to the attention of employees at John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois, where the company builds combines and front-end equipment. Knowing that the initial request came from a farmer who wanted to help other farmers, John Deere employees jumped on the opportunity and collaborated with On With Life to build out the concept and then fully construct a combine/tractor access device. The employees donated not just their time, but all of the equipment and materials to make it happen.
“Our team is thrilled to have been part of this project,” said Glenn Pope, an engineer at John Deere. “It has been very fun, far from our normal projects, and has highlighted the skill and tenacity of a full spectrum of our people.”
Between the donations from John Deere and the Plunkett Family (plus support from Concrete Supply, Nehring Concrete - especially LeWayne Lures - and Snyder & Associates), Brad’s dream will become reality this spring. The brand new combine/ tractor access device will have tremendous impact as On With Life's vast population of persons served in the farming community work toward their own goals during therapy.
"Brad would be so proud," said Karmen.