Calendar dates often get lost in the muddle of life, but May 19 will be remembered by two Bellevue residents and their families.
Saturday was the 25th anniversary of a unique and impactful event called Rampathon. Produced every year since 1993 by volunteer members of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, Rampathon aims to gift neighbors in need with free wheelchair access ramps. Since its inception, the event has produced some 500 ramps for residents throughout King and Snohomish counties, including a record 48 this year.
One of those recipients is Kevin Sun. Sun has muscular dystrophy, which makes getting to and from home difficult for him and his dad, Zuo. When the Suns contacted the Master Builders Association in hopes of receiving a ramp, they had no idea just how much this simple gesture would affect their day to day lives.
“The ramp is going to be very helpful,” said Zuo in a press release from Master Builders. “It’s going to help my son a lot to get in and out of the house. He’s very excited about the ramp. We really appreciate the crew.”
The “crew” is a team led by James Wang and Craig Tschetter of Lochwood-Lozier homes, a custom homebuilder serving the Bellevue area. Lochwood-Lozier has participated in several Rampathons, giving the freedom to move about for countless neighbors in need.
Another Rampathon recipient is Kirkland-based builder Terrene Homes, owned by Master Builders Association 2017 President Mike Walsh. Walsh and the Terrene crew over the weekend built a ramp for Rosa Peseta, who uses a wheelchair and walker due to a leg amputation resulting from type 2 diabetes.
For Walsh, Rampathon is as much a gift for him and his team as it is for the recipients to impact so much.
“As our third year participating in Rampathon,” Walsh said, “we never tire in having the opportunity to give back. It’s also a great team building event for our company. A win-win for all.”
If you would like to participate in future Rampathon events or are interested in hearing more about the continuing contributions of the Master Builders Association, contact Michell Filleau-Maas at mfilleau-maas@mbaks.com or 425-460-8232.
