In hopes of making life a little easier for two Chatham seniors, a local woman has created a fundraising campaign.
Erie Beach resident Judi Peet is aiming to raise enough cash to pay for a new wheelchair ramp for her friend Ruth Loxton's 98-year-old mother. Luxton lives with and takes care of her mother at their house on Coverdale Street in Chatham. Luxton's mother uses a wheelchair to get around and the house can only be exited by going down several steps. When Peet recently met Luxton at a ladies bible study group, she heard her share the story of how difficult it's become do things with her mother.
Peet said after hearing Luxton's situation, it stuck with her. It especially struck a chord with Peet this month, when she marked her first Mother's Day since her own mom had passed.
"My mom was 90 when she passed on her birthday, just this November," Peet explained. "So, it would be nice for someone else to take their mother [on outings]."
Peet started a GoFundMe page titled 'A Ramp for Ruth' to raise funds towards a ramp for Luxton. She said even if they don't raise enough money to get a professional contractor to complete the ramp, any little bit will help to get the job started and Peet, along with a group of volunteers, will finish the project.
"I just thought it would be really nice for her and her mom," Peet said. "I don't know how much time she'll have left with her mom being that age... Wouldn't it be nice if she could wheel her mom out the door and enjoy the nicer weather when it finally arrives, just have some of those outings that I think we take for granted."
At the age of 80, Luxton herself is a senior citizen. Her mother also suffers from dementia and is completely dependent on her daughter for care. If Luxton wishes to leave the house, even for a quick trip, she has to coordinate it in advance to ensure her mother can come along.
"She's 98 years old and we have steps going down from the kitchen and it's difficult her managing the steps. We have to take two or three people to help her get down the steps," Luxton explained. "With a ramp, I'll be able to take her out. We can use the Handi-Bus, head out to Walmart for an hour or so, we can have supper together, or we can just get out and take a walk around the block."
Luxton said she's looked into the possibility of getting a ramp built before, but couldn't afford the $4,000 price tag that the job was quoted for. She said she's excited that she might finally get one and that currently, the mother and daughter duo don't get out much besides for the occasional doctor's appointment. According to Luxton, it's been ages since she's gotten to take her mom out for dinner.
When asked where the first place she plans to take her mom if the ramp gets built, Luxton didn't miss a beat.
"Take her out to Swiss Chalet because that's her favourite spot to eat," she said. "And, I'd like to take her out to Walmart because they have McDonald's there and she can have a coffee."