Letter to the Editor: Thanks for wheelchair ramp

July 10, 2010
Thanks for wheelchair ramp


Twentysome years ago, my sister Cindy's husband, Ben Harendza, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. At the time, Ben was in his early 30s, working at the Wyoming Youth Center, coaching youth wrestling and had become a state-certified wrestling referee. He also was raising his two young sons.
While this news was absolutely devastating to Ben and our families, Ben has never let his incurable disease define him and his outlook on life. He continued work and remained involved in youth and high school wrestling for many years. But Ben's Parkinson's has continued to progress to the point that he now requires the assistance of a wheelchair.
On a recent weekend through its Summer Volunteer Project, the Broome County Council of Churches, Inc. and St. Mark's Episcopal Church constructed an exterior wheelchair ramp at the Harendzas' home in Johnson City.
Our families are grateful to both of these wonderful organizations for constructing this ramp.
Tricia Leonard
Yuba City, Calif.

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