Battling polio virus, PTSD, panic disorders, receiving an iron lung and many other health conditions paints a vivid picture of Dennis Carroll, Sr., who overcame adversities while continuing to have a positive outlook on life.
While facing difficulties throughout his life, one of Carroll’s scariest moments occurred in 1953. At just seven years old Carroll was doing a few household chores when he noticed he had shortness of breath.
“I ran to the front porch where I immediately passed out," explained Carroll. "My mother ran to the front door, and I realized I couldn’t move. She became extremely concerned and helped me get up from the pavement, placed me on a couch and fixed me something to eat. She noticed my condition worsening.”
Carroll’s mother immediately jumped into gear by calling the family doctor. Fortunately, the doctor knew exactly what this virus was and transported him by ambulance to the hospital.
Carroll said his hospital stay was rather difficult for many reasons.
“Due to me being paralyzed from the neck down I could not move my neck and all I could do was watch others in the waiting room gasp for air, vomit, cry and unfortunately passed away because of their lack of oxygen," he said.
Carroll did not know being hospitalized for two years and receiving an iron lung would redirect his life in such a positive way.
“I gained many talents, one being teaching myself how to walk on my hands due to my inability to walk," said Carroll. "I just didn’t give up, I got so great at this skill that I was known as 'Circus Boy!'"
Carroll made it his mission to keep his spirits high. He even made a best friend, his “Angel in Disguise” named Margaret. At just 14, she would make it a habit to visit a 10-year-old Carroll’s room every night and encourage him.
“Margaret would tell me, 'Dennis, you’re going to grow up to be a very old man,'" said Carroll.
However, his relationship with Margaret was unfortunately cut short.
“Around midnight I stared at the door awaiting her prompt visit, when I realized she didn’t come. I asked about her, unfortunately, the nurses informed me Margaret passed away that night," Carroll said.
At the tender age of 10, despite experiencing death of loved ones, health issues, four surgeries on both legs, and being bullied, Carroll still had fight in him.
“One night as I laid in bed, a rotary came in my room and asked me if he could pray for me," said Carroll. "Once I said yes, a bible was placed on my chest, and I felt overwhelmed with joy. I knew what I wanted to do, even though people around me said I’d never amount to anything. After seeing so many people pass away, I took one look at my parents and said, I’m going to be a pastor, I’m going to preach God’s word."
Carroll attended school in 6th grade, where he was exposed to bullying, being mocked, and laughed at by his peers. He later was homeschooled where he experienced isolation due to the entire house being quarantined.
“The Rotary Club of Michigan City, Ind. would still come by and place food and clothing at the door,” said Carroll.
Carroll has been a Pastor for over 50 years, the President of Northwest Association United Church of Christ, and he’s also on the Board of Directors for Camp Millhouse. He said his wife, who passed only a year and four months ago, helped inspire him to become a pastor.
“What do you want me to do when you’re gone?” Carroll once asked his wife. “'I want you to keep continue in ministry as long as you can,' and with that, I’ve never looked back," was her response.
His journey with Camp Millhouse actually began when he made the wrong phone call.
“I was calling for someone else, to my surprise a voice on the other end picks up and says 'Hello, Camp Millhouse,'" said Carroll. "After having a small discussion, the wonderful staff not only remembered me, but the director personally reminded me of a contest I won in 1955 for drinking the most milk. If it wasn’t for Camp Millhouse and a doctor who encouraged me to attend, I would not have been exposed to kids like me having a good time. It inspired me and allowed me to know I wasn’t going to die. That I’m going to be like them, I’m going to swim in a pool. It was a positive experience for me, I worked there as a counselor until I was 28 and I truly enjoyed every bit of it.”
Check out his contributions to Camp Millhouse at www.campmillhouse.org and Rotary Club of Michigan City at www.mcrotary.com.