Never know what will happen today at Hand Up Ministries!!

​                                               Bernard vs. the Bandit

                     A True Hand Up Ministries Campus 1 Adventure

 

Most days, Bernard LaGrow can be found doing what he does best at Hand Up Ministries—helping residents with transportation, keeping Campus 1 running smoothly, and making sure the grounds are clean and cared for.

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But one ordinary day of yard work turned into something Bernard certainly did not have on his schedule.

While Bernard was cleaning the Campus 1 yard, he suddenly came face-to-face with a very determined—and very unhappy—wild raccoon.

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This was not a raccoon interested in quietly wandering away.

This raccoon apparently had other plans.

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Before Bernard had much time to react, the furry little “bandit”  jumped out of the dumpster and jumped directly onto Bernard's back.

 

What followed was a scene that sounds funny now, but at the time was anything but funny. The raccoon scratched Bernard, bit him, and seemed absolutely determined to win the battle.

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Bernard found himself in the middle of what might best be described as Campus 1’s first man-versus-raccoon showdown.

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And the raccoon was taking the fight seriously.

Fortunately, Bernard was eventually able to get away from his wild attacker, but the bites and scratches meant he needed immediate medical attention. He spent several hours in the emergency room, where medical professionals examined his injuries, treated him, prescribed antibiotics, and evaluated whether rabies vaccinations would be necessary.

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It was a frightening reminder that even a routine day can change in just a few seconds.

But anyone who knows Bernard also knows something else about him: it takes a lot more than one angry raccoon to take away his sense of humor.

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Today, Bernard is recovering—and thankfully, he can laugh about the whole unbelievable experience.

The Hand Up Ministries family is laughing with him, while also being extremely grateful that he is safe.

Of course, the story has already become a little bit of a Campus 1 legend.

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Bernard may have gone outside that day simply to clean up the yard, but he came home with a story that will probably be told for years:

“Remember the day Bernard fought the raccoon?”

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The vans may know Bernard as their dependable driver.

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The grounds may know him as their faithful caretaker.

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The residents know him as someone who is always willing to help.

But somewhere around Campus 1, there may also be one raccoon telling his friends:

“Believe it or not…I picked the wrong guy.”

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Get well soon, Bernard

From everyone at Hand Up Ministries—with love, prayers, and plenty of laughter.