James and Linda—Repairs on Wheels Builds Ramp

Linda Marsalis, who lives in Jefferson Parish, was diagnosed several years ago with a neurological disorder. She is slowly losing use of her extremities and recently became dependent on a wheelchair.

Marsalis was no longer able to work as a nurse, and her husband James became her caregiver. In the midst of this tragic illness, small things became insurmountable problems. In her wheelchair, Marsalis was unable to navigate her home’s front steps, which made leaving the house an ordeal.

James didn’t know where to turn to get a ramp. He sought advice from the Jefferson Council on Aging, which referred him to Volunteers of America’s Repairs on Wheels program, which provides ramps and minor home repairs to senior homeowners. Within a month, the Repairs on Wheels team built the ramp at their home.

Linda can now easily get in and out of the house, and the couple is enjoying simple pleasures such as going out to dinner. Volunteers of America was able to offer even more help to the couple. The Repairs on Wheels team brought in youth volunteers from World Changers, a faith-based mission trip organization, who painted the ramp and power-washed and painted the home’s exterior. The couple says receiving help from Repairs on Wheels lifted their spirits. They felt such gratitude they decided to donate Linda’s car to Volunteers of America. In return, we appreciate their generosity.

It has been an honor to help you, James and Linda.