What a Ramp!

Broderick is the strong, silent type. His warm smile will stir your heart, his lively eyes are so expressive, they take the place of the words that are difficult for him to say.

Broderick is blessed in many ways: he has a big network of people that support him; his doting mother is there for him in every way and then there are his friends who call on him regularly. A lover of animals, Broderick has a pet bird and two chihuahuas. His family's home - where they've lived for 39 years - is warm, inviting and big enough to entertain all of the people that stop by just to visit.

Broderick has suffered through spinal meningitis and battles sickle cell anemia as well as several other health complications due to both conditions. The outlook is not good for Broderick, most likely his condition will worsen and soon he will be wheelchair bound.

Getting out of the house is crucial for Broderick and his quality of life. Up until now, Broderick has needed assistance in getting out of the house with his walker and down their front porch. Lately it's been very hard for him to navigate those steps - even with the help of his mother.

Thankfully, Broderick's care worker from the City of Dallas suggested that Mrs. P call The Dallas Ramp Project. Well, she did and just a few short weeks later a team of volunteers came out to their residence.

Four of the volunteers were with Girls Inc. a non-profit organization that works to empower women through volunteering and community service. Two of the volunteers were very polite and hard-working young men - aged 14 and 15 - both were tasked with community service for being late to school but mentioned that they loved the Ramp Project so much they were going to come back in the next few weeks...just because. The other three volunteers, veteran ramp builders themselves, had the vision and expertise to build this ramp - which ended up to be over 44 feet long.

Thanks to The Dallas Ramp Project, Broderick has one more thing to be thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday.