TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Army veteran Anthony Greene was about to celebrate his 31st wedding anniversary with his wife when he suffered two back-to-back strokes.
His wife said the VA wasn't giving her husband the help he needed, so she turned to 8 On Your Side.
Community Access Support Services, Inc. saw our story and stepped right in to help the Greenes. On Thursday, they were able to renew their vows, and they're thankful to see this day.
"It feels so wonderful,” Anthony said.
This is the day Anthony and Constance Greene had dreamed of, renewing their vows for their 31st wedding anniversary.
"It's amazing that from the last time you saw me, he was not even there," Constance Greene said. "Now he's my husband again."
Back in September, the Greenes were planning on saying "I do" once again, but Anthony suffered two strokes. Constance had told me the VA approved Anthony for three weeks for in-patient rehab, then was dropped off at home.
"He ended up a vegetable," Constance said. "He's completely paralyzed on the right side. I just need all the help I can get with him. I just want him alive."
Dr. Gynnes Smith and her husband William Smith answered that call.
"We reached out to you guys," Glynnes Smith said. "You guys responded and gave our information to the family, and we went out and met with them, and we've been advocating for them ever since you aired the first story.
The Smiths founded Community Access Support Services Inc. to assist at risk families and veterans across the Tampa Bay area.
"I will be all right,” Anthony said.
"We've helped them sustain housing, increased services and gone through the rehab process, and we've been able to support Mr. Greene, and now he is home,” Dr. Glynnes Smith said.
“They were [a] god send,” Constance said.
The Smiths gave the Greenes another chance to renew their love.
"Thirty-one years, I hope another 30 more,” Constance said.
“I will be alright," Anthony said
It's just what his family wants to hear.
Vulnerable families at risk or veterans can reach out to the Community Access Support Services by phone or email:
Phone: 863-600-6796