May 25, 2007

Rampathon builds 200th wheelchair ramp

Photo courtesy Jackson Remodeling [enlarge]

Jackson Remodeling of Seattle last week finished the 200th ramp for the Master Builders Care Foundation's Rampathon program. The ramp was built for Greenwood residents Kathy and Terry Owens.

Kathy Owens has diabetes and degenerative disc disorder, which has left her blind and a partial paraplegic. She has an electric wheelchair and a van with a wheelchair ramp, but was unable to leave her house due to stairs at every exit.

With the help of their trade partners, the Jackson team also made improvements to the Owenses' driveway and lift area, widened a concrete walkway, added exterior lighting and upgraded unsafe circuits, performed landscaping, replaced a rotting back door, and removed and hauled away several loads of debris.

Jackson's team included Green Lake Electric, Limback Lumber, Galeed Concrete, Cadman Industries, Atlas Construction Specialties, National Construction Rentals, Busby Junk Removal, Plywood Supply, O'Connell Landscape, Frank Lumber The Door Store, Tree Harmony, and most of Jackson's office staff and carpenters. Roy Fleisher was Jackson's ramp captain.

This year, there were 25 wheelchair ramps built by more than 360 volunteers. Rampathon, in its 14th year, is an annual event where volunteers build free access ramps for low-income citizens in Seattle and surrounding communities. It is sponsored by HomeStreet Bank, Janes Gypsum Floors, Plywood Supply, Sandusky Radio, Rodda Paint and Woodinville Lumber.