New years holiday wish is granted for Springfield family

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Story Published: Jan 1, 2009 at 5:31 PM PST

By Tom Adams

SPRINGFIELD, Or. - 2009 begins on a high note of hope for a Springfield family, thanks to the generosity of the community. It's a poignant, holiday wish granted.

Combine willing hands, a willing lender and the right material--anything is possible.

That's what this story is about. Meet the Strasheim family.

"It was such a blessing. This is all new territory for us," says Michelle Strasheim.

It's a New Years holiday unlike any other for Jared and Michelle Strasheim. They're celebrating a new addition to their house, made of plywood and nails.

Strasheim explains, "We just got a call from a radio D-J one morning on the way to school and said we want to come do this for you."

This new wheelchair ramp is for this young man--7 year old Tyler. 3 years ago, he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Tyler is very impressed with the final results. "I like it--it's pretty cool. I like going on the scooter and riding it down," says the young lad.

Scooter rides now, but for how much longer is anyone's guess. The ramp fulfills a huge need when Tyler will depend heavily on the wheelchair. Contractor Mac MacDonald is grateful to have helped and tells KVAL, "We got the financing going, got the materials delivered and my son and I built it on the 23rd and I came out on the 24th to finish it up."

Tyler's father, Jared, adds, "I was very appreciative to the folks that donated their time and materials. It was very selfless on their part."

For now, a family stays positive and looks for every way possible to let Tyler maintain his independence and freedom for as long as possible. His sentiments are very simple--"Thank you for building it."

St. Vincent de Paul, the Make-A-Wish program at KDUK Radio, Umpqua Bank, Lane County Home Builders Association and Built By Mac...combined to make the Strasheim family ramp possible.

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