Steve, age 55, lost his right leg after a life-threatening illness. Today he lives at Texas Masonic Retirement Community, receiving the daily assistance vital to his health and wellbeing. Plus, his health continues to improve and he looks forward to walking on a prosthetic leg in the near future.

"The No Mason Left Behind Project is the reason I’m here. I had nowhere to go and nothing as a result of this illness."

In May 2017, Steve, 55, woke up alone in a Fort Worth hospital after surgery to amputate his right leg above the knee. Only four days before, he faced the loss of his caregiver and living arrangements when his cousin suffered a fatal stroke.

“I remember thinking, ‘It’s happened and I’m going to make the best of it,” says Steve.

This positive attitude and can-do spirit sustained Steve through 20 surgeries over a 6-year period as doctors worked to save his leg and his life.

“I fought gangrene and bone infections for years as I dealt with a condition called Charcot Foot. Essentially the bones in the foot weaken and then collapse. Even with all the surgeries and treatment, the infections would not heal properly. Finally, the only way for me to survive was to remove the leg.”

After completing his studies, Steve built a career in law enforcement, crime prevention, and security management. He racked up a 17-year career providing these services at Wal-Mart. Steve also volunteered and consulted as an anthropologist for the state of Texas. As his foot condition worsened, he was forced to take medical retirement.

"Today, because I’m a Mason and Masons support one another and their families, I live in a safe environment. I’m not going to fall and I mean that in many ways."

As a young man, Steve played football at the University of New Mexico and baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals AAA team. Getting serious about his education, he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and prelaw, followed by a master’s degree in archaeology at the University of Texas - Arlington.

Throughout the decades of his life, Steve became heavily involved in Masonry. Today he belongs to and supports 19 Masonic organizations. He also proudly holds a 32nd degree KCCH Scottish Rite. His dedication would become life-changing physically as well as spiritually.

"Today, because I’m a Mason and Masons support one another and their families, I live in a safe environment. I’m not going to fall and I mean that in many ways. There are people who can help me. Sometimes my healthy leg gets tired. I have assistance if I need it. I have nutritious meals and I’m losing weight, working toward getting a prosthetic leg. This is the best place I’ve lived in a long time and I appreciate it."

The No Mason Left Behind Project helps provide older Texas Masons and their qualified loved ones with all-inclusive 24 hour a day/7 days a week accommodations at Texas Masonic Retirement Community--including medical services and nursing care. The cost of these benefits exceeds $2.5 million annually.

Want to make a personal donation to the No Mason Left Behind Project? You can use our secure online donation service or print out and mail in a donation form. We look forward to recognizing your kindness and benevolence. A complete list of recognition awards and amenities is included below the donation buttons and in the online donation form.

Donations from Lodges, Chapters, Councils, OES, and other Masonic organizations make a tremendous difference!
Check our Lodge Donation Summary for more information about donating and recognition for your Masonic organization.

       

Recognition for Your Personal Donation
(Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

$50 - $99 Membership Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be  recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a special annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

$100 - $499 Honor Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a special annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

$500 - $999 Tribute Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be honored with a desktop award for your home or office
• You will be recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a special annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

$1,000 - $4,999 Legacy Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be honored with a large desktop award for your home or office
• You will be recognized by the Master of Ceremonies at Family Day and on a special major donor poster displayed at Texas Masonic Retirement Community year around
• You will be saluted at this level in a video displayed on the TMRC website, in the TMRC e-newsletter, and on social media.
• You will be recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a special annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

 $5,000 or More - Regency Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be honored with a large wall plaque for your home or office
  
• You will be recognized individually by the Master of Ceremonies at Family Day and on a special major donor poster displayed at Texas Masonic Retirement Community year around
• You will be saluted at the highest giving level in a video displayed on the TMRC website, in the TMRC e-newsletter, and on social media.
• You will be recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a special annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

Your donation of any amount is appreciated and helps provide for Texas Masons and their loved ones.