Hazel Taylor suffered a double knee injury in the late 1980s when she stepped out of an elevator that had stopped a couple feet above the floor.
The injuries she sustained that day were life-changing. She did not go on disability or sue anyone despite living with chronic knee pain.
Ultimately, she was no longer able to walk and eventually she became permanently dependent on a Hoveround for mobility.
Her son moved in to help take care of her. In caring for her, he has lifted her daily and has carried his mother up and down the steps at their front door for six years, ultimately causing him serious back troubles.
Taylor also suffers from cellulitis, which in 2012 turned into lymphedema, forcing her back to the hospital with regularity.
Builders Care received a call from Heartland Rehabilitation Center to see if we could assist this family by building a wheelchair ramp. Taylor has no cartilage in her knees or hips and she will never walk again.
NEFBA Builders Care was looking for volunteers when David Hacker, president of Construction Specialties of North Florida, offered help.
Hacker, an adjunct professor for the Construction Management School at UNF, and his students donated a Saturday in October to build this ramp.
The day was a grand success.
“Ms. Hazel was in the hospital while we built the ramp,” said Justin Brown, executive director of Builders Care. “Her son was there to help and to let us know how very grateful the family is for the ramp, especially his mom. Thank you to everyone involved.”
The generosity of Hacker and the UNF construction management students, as well as discounted lumber from Allstar Building Materials, allowed Builders Care to complete this project for less than $350.
For information about Builders Care and how you can be part of this ministry to Jacksonville’s most vulnerable residents, visit online at builderscare.org or call (904) 727-3443.