By Karen Cohilas - bio | email
ALBANY, GA (WALB) – There's a long waiting list of South Georgians with disabilities who need ramps for their homes. Without them, they are essentially trapped inside.
Thursday, one Albany woman was freed, as volunteers built a 75 foot ramp at her home.
With every tap of the nail, every turn of the drill, every hum of the sander, 93-year old Annie Hicks is a little closer to freedom.
These eyes are tired, and so is her body. Going up and down a steep flight of stairs is no longer practical, so she stays in most of the time
But today, an escape route was designed outside of her house.
"It's very much appreciated. We are so happy to have that." Ann Weathers helps her grandmother around when she can, but it isn't easy.
"Well, we have to get under her arms and kind of jack her up and just kind of bring her on down, or we have to carry her."
To church, the doctor or for Alzheimer's day care. "It's very difficult." But after today, it shouldn't be quite so hard.
"Look what we got, we got us a drive way, you see that thing?" A group of strangers, volunteers with the SOWEGA Council on Aging, built a ramp for Ms. Hicks.
"Instant gratification, it really is," said Ramp Builder Jim Hill.
To see a prisoner of her own home, finally set free. "Every time we do one, it's the same feeling, wow!"
And the feeling was mutual. "Thank you, thank you," said Weathers.
Finally able to escape and enjoy the outdoors once again. "God is so good."
A gift from God, and some humble volunteers. "Whoever sponsors this program, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. I just can't thank them enough." said Weathers.
The R.S.V.P. Ramp builders construct two ramps a week. The youngest volunteer is in his late 50's. The oldest, a former prisoner of war, is 88.
You can contribute to the Ramp building fund. Click HERE to find out how.
©2010 WALB News. All rights reserved. Feedback
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Worldnow and WALB, a Raycom Media Station. 
