LeRoy Goossen of Fresno, Calif., marked 20 years of paralysis Jan. 5. But thanks to a brotherhood of volunteers that traces its origin to his Mennonite Brethren church, it is rare for a weekday to go by without someone paying a visit to provide care and chat.

Working as a custom home builder in 1995, Goossen fell from a balcony, whipping his neck and bruising his spinal cord. His arms and legs were paralyzed. Intensive care and extensive rehabilitation followed.