Deep Gratitude

On a beautiful fall Saturday morning in September, ten hard working volunteers devoted their time and energy to building one complicated ramp for D.J., a sweet lady of 95 years.

Six of these dedicated volunteers work at Pediatric Therapy Network as social workers and nurses. One of them, Shannon, is 6 months pregnant with a baby boy - talk about dedication! I don't think I've come across a group of more positive, spirited individuals as enthusiastic about making a difference in someones life. Given their line of work, they clearly recognize what an important cause they are supporting.

Another one of our volunteers that morning was Michael, a friend of Bill who is one of our veteran team leaders, who was visiting us from England. In talking to Michael, it was evident that he was extremely impressed with the scope of our cause the sheer number of ramps we build.

We are able to do what we do because of our team leaders and our volunteers. They deserve endless praise for their efforts because they are the ones changing lives with each and every build. Our clients are forever grateful - I see the smiles on their faces and the tears of gratitude in their eyes - and they are grateful to you.

D.J. is no exception. Her lovely daughter Lucy, pictured here in the yellow shirt, had only reached out to The Dallas Ramp Project in late May/early June and just a few short months later we were in her front yard building a ramp to freedom for D.J..

D.J. and her family have lived in their lovely home since 1944 but getting in and out of the house was getting increasingly difficult for her as her legs just don't seem to be working, as she described it to me. Eager to put her new power chair to good use, D.J. was so looking forward to trying out her new ramp.

This story is not a new one. It is one of many that make up the fabric of our organization. Our volunteers are essential - they are the thread that binds us together - so please keep coming back. There are many others out there, like D.J. and her family, that need us.