January 19, 2018 NORWICH (WBNG) -- Ask Brendan Rhodes, 22, of McDonough, if there's anything that stops him in life, he'll answer, "When I find something I'll let you know." For about the past nine months Rhodes, has been spending time with Dottie Bosshammer at the UHS Senior Living Center in Norwich. Dottie has dementia, but when Brendan walks into the room, she lights up. She has even started eating better ever since he's been assisting her. To understand how this special bond came to be, you first have to know Rhodes' past. Since about the age of 10, Rhodes was in and out of a foster home. He and his three sibling's were adopted when Rhodes was 16-years-old. "If it wasn't for my mother, who adopted me, I don't know where I'd be," said Rhodes. "The way my real parents were I could be dead, I could be in jail, I don't know." During his time in the foster home, he would attend the Children's Home right off Route 12 in Norwich. While in the Family Support Program, he learned how to deal with schooling, something he wasn't always a fan of. He also met many leaders there including the program's cook, Patty Bosshammer of Sherburne. After he graduated from the program, Rhodes recalled an interaction where Bosshammer mentioned her mother-in-law Dottie, who was receiving care at the UHS Senior Living Center in Norwich. She then brought up a potential opportunity to spend time and care for her. "I told them I'd give it a try and here I am doing it for a few months now," said Rhodes. "We are indebted to this young man," said Bosshammer. "He's helped us out immensely and we can't thank him enough for everything he's done." On top of an unstable household, Rhodes was born with Spina Bifida, a birth defect that never allowed his spine to develop properly. Doctors said he would never walk again, but just like the other obstacles Rhodes has has in his life, he has overcome this. "I may not do great, but I can walk three different ways so...I like to brag about that," joked Rhodes. Through it all Rhodes uses that positivity and determination to be there for Dottie, and walk into many lives for the better. Some customers he serves at Burger King, where he's worked for three years, said he brightens their days. Rhodes also picked up a job at KFC to help his family financially. I don't consider myself any different from the next guy down the line." admitted Rhodes. "We all need help sometimes, we all need to give help. Sadly I don't think there's enough of that." If you or someone you know is selfless like Brendan Rhodes, and goes above and beyond in some way for a person or group, let 12 News Anchor Michael Schwartz know. To be considered for the next Southern Tier Selflessness report, email Mischwartz@wbng.com "Like" Michael Schwartz on Facebook and "Follow" him on Twitter.
