Ralph’s Story

Ralph was struggling with a serious back injury that changed his life dramatically. Once a truck driver, he was severely hurt while loading his truck, leaving him unable to work. The injury made even simple daily activities extremely difficult. Getting out of bed was often painful. Walking more than a few steps required him to stop and rest. Trips to the grocery store with his family were exhausting. Climbing the stairs into his home became nearly impossible.

Looking for help, Ralph reached out to a list of agencies. Out of all the places he called, SELF was the only one to respond.

When SELF arrived, they brought a team of young volunteers from across the country. Ralph was impressed by their work ethic and positive attitude. The group quickly got to work building a large ramp that extended from his driveway to the back door of his home. They also rebuilt the back steps to make them less steep and easier to navigate. The volunteer group invited Ralph’s family to join their meals and study time, creating an authentic neighborly atmosphere that Ralph and his family enjoyed.

The improvements made a tremendous difference in Ralph’s daily life. With safe ramps and sturdier steps, he could finally move in and out of his home more easily and with less pain. The project not only improved his independence but also gave him peace of mind. Ralph was grateful for the help and said he would recommend SELF to anyone in need of support like this.

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