Quiet Confidence

Kayla Smith (left) and two volunteers, before the mask mandate in Kentucky, are all smiles about the addition of a handicap accessible ramp into her home that makes life easier to maneuver.

Kayla Smith and her parents were looking forward to having a ramp added to their home during this year’s YouthFest. But then, like so many others around the world, they received the news that because of the coronavirus, their plans were going to change. YouthFest, an alternative spring break volunteer season hosted by Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) was cancelled.

“I was confident that CAP would still be able to help us, it would just take a little longer because of COVID-19,” Smith said. “Instead of a whole team of volunteers, they would only have 2-3 people that could work on the ramp. There were safety restrictions because of coronavirus so they couldn’t have a lot of people at the house.”

Smith struggles with a variety of health issues that make it critical for her to have safe access in and out of her home. She lives with her parents who help her navigate these challenges.

“We really appreciate Ronnie and the others who worked so hard to get the ramp built for Kayla,” said her mother, Kim Haney. “It’s made life a lot easier and a lot safer.”

The steps are precarious, and Smith must sometimes use a wheelchair. Smith said that before the ramp, she and her father would sometimes accidentally miss the step leading out of the house which usually made going and coming a challenge.

“It’s been a help to all of us actually,” Haney added. “I wish we had a ramp years ago. It would have made it a lot easier getting in and out of the house when Kayla was having chemo treatments. The ramp has made it safer for her because I don’t have to try to hold her up when she walks. She can get up and down the ramp safely by herself.”

Smith continues to battle several health challenges, but she is grateful that CAP finished the projects that they planned to complete during YouthFest. “My cancer is back, but I hope the treatments help. Because of the ramp that CAP put in, I can use my wheelchair to get in and out of the house. Without that help, we would have just found a way to continue to make the steps work.”

Haney is happy that CAP has continued to help her family. Before her mother passed away, CAP put in a ramp at her house too. “All I can say is thank you very much. I appreciate all CAP did. God bless you.”

DONATE

Donate to support children, their families, and seniors in need in Appalachia.

Christianapp.org/MtSpiritGive