It can be hard for people to admit they need assistance, but in the Gila Valley, there are people and organizations who offer their help for free, especially in desperate times of need.

Safford resident Virgil Hayes has found himself in need of assistance since being diagnosed with a debilitating disease. The simple act of walking down the hallway of his home could end up with a trip to the hospital.

Hayes, a former gun and hunter safety instructor, suffers from bacterial meningitis, a serious infection of the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. The infection has caused Hayes to lose his ability to effectively balance himself, especially on the bare cement floor of his house.

Mike Rowan safeguards walls in Virgil Hayes' home before working on the floors Monday morning. Photo by Brian Wright

Hayes told the Courier he took out his old linoleum flooring years ago with the intention of replacing it but was unable to afford it after suffering a fall that landed him in a Tucson hospital for more than a month.

Now the slippery cement could cause him to take another devastating – if not life threatening – fall.

Mike Rowan of EA Glass previously gave Hayes an estimate of $2,500 to fix the floor. After Hayes told him he wouldn't be able to afford it, Rowan decided to donate his time and equipment and see if the American Legion Riders would be able to donate the money to cover the cost of the materials.

"Times are bad, and people need help," Rowan said. "We're just trying to do our part."

Rowan and members of the group began work on improving Hayes' flooring Saturday. After removing all of the furniture, Rowan ground down the floor to make it rough and then stained it for a contemporary appearance. Rowan then applied an acrylic mixed with silicate sand so Hayes wouldn't encounter slippery surfaces.

Rowan told the Courier he and the American Legion Riders decided to paint the interior walls of the residence as well.

Hayes expressed his gratitude toward Rowan and the American Legion Riders and said if Rowan wants to use his floor as a demonstration model to prospective customers he is welcome to do so.

"He saw a need and dove headlong into it on his own volition," Hayes said. "Then he got the American Legion Riders to throw into it as well. . . He's rescuing us. He's helping us out in ways I couldn't even imagine, and he doesn't ask for anything in return."

Hayes said he wanted to let people know of the quality of people in the community that help fulfill the needs of those in dire straits.

"It's something that's so special and so spectacular that I can't say 'thank you' to him enough," Hayes said. "I can't say 'thank you' to the American Legion (Riders) enough as well."