A Ramp for Grandma

Evelyn Strahle, the matriarch of our loving family, (91 years old) is wheelchair bound. It is very difficult for her to leave her home due to a very steep front porch, treacherous to any elderly person. Leaving her home for even a short time was nearly impossible due to the danger of those steps. Needing to see a physician would require medical transport staff to bring her to appointments. Social interactions which required leaving her home became impossible. Her children and grandchildren were very concerned for her safety. After a family discussion it was decided the best option would be for Evelyn to have a ramp installed so that she would be able to come and go with wheelchair access.  Her children could take her to her medical appointments. She would be able to attend family lunches at her sons home. She would be able to have freedom. Her eldest son, Bob, trying to save money for his parents, constructed a ramp - not realizing that he needed a permit from Prince Georges (PG) County Government. The ramp was a dream for Evelyn and her husband, David. She no longer needed medical transport for appointments. No longer trapped by the prospect of never leaving her home, she was mobile and finally had freedom!  Unfortunately this dream was short lived! Shortly after construction, PG County officials left a notice on the front door saying the ramp was in violation.  Bob was unaware a permit was needed to build a ramp and asked the county for a waiver since this was a temporary ramp. Unfortunately their request was denied.  Negotiations immediately began to rectify the current situation. Hoping for minimal complications, Bob tried to reason and paid $150 to begin the process of the permit for the ramp.  He requested that they send all correspondence to him to avoid upsetting his 91 and 94 year old parents. He completed and notarized the proper forms to facilitate this, yet through the process they continued to phone, send mail, and eventually sent a certified letter summoning David and Evelyn to go to court to show just cause why they should not be fined or disciplined further. This placed a great deal of stress and anxiety on Evelyn and David. The only relief from the county would be to remove the ramp. It would have been too difficult for this sweet elderly couple, one disabled, to attend a court battle. The ramp was taken down much to the concern of their family. Once again Evelyn is housebound! Her husband, David who is a pillar in the community, receiving awards for service from the county can no longer escort his wife out to dinner. They can no longer visit family with ease or have an active social life.  Once again it is difficult for her to leave the house and we are worried what might happen if there were to be a fire or another emergency. Please help us raise funds to build a new ramp for Grandma.