When Michelle Zelinske called Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers she said she didn't know where to turn. She and her husband Wade and their five children were struggling with Wade's terminal brain cancer at age 44.
Tim McCarthy with Interfaith Caregivers said: "Wade is starting to really struggle with the many steps leading to their door. We have built more than 400 wheelchair ramps in the past 12 years, but this was a challenge. Their decks were so high that it would take over a 100-foot ramp. We decided to dig a 24-foot trench and cut a door into their lower level instead, and then put a roof over that."
This project has really turned into a "community affair" with many community-neighbors helping as they can. Pro Build has helped with materials and the exterior door, General Rental has helped with the saw for cutting the poured cement basement wall and a local contractor has
resurfaced the Zelinske's entire driveway to fix many potholes. Three volunteers from the Interfaith Caregivers have donated many hours to the project, and another is going to install a bathroom in their lower level so Wade Zelinske can move down.
McCarthy said: "We usually do not take on projects this involved, but we believe the Lord helps us when we need, and are very excited when the community gets behind helping one of their own. When I said goodbye, Wade said he was overwhelmed by the love and support shown to them."
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Lakes Area Interfaith Caregivers provides rides for seniors besides building many ramps and
low-rise steps and other home modifications. They can be reached at 218-820-7454.
