Ballard resident Janice Bollitti-Pace first heard about the Rampathon project while listening to local AM radio station KIXI. She had missed the deadline for last year's applications and thought if it came up again next year she would apply. The opportunity arose and she was chosen as one of Rampathon's 2006 recipients.

Bollitti-Pace was confined to a power wheelchair three years ago as a result of Osteoarthritis. Getting in and out of her home was challenging to say the least. She would have to align her van as close as possible to the back door, then a drop lift would lower her in. It was inconvenient and cumbersome.

On Saturday, May 20, 10 Rampathon volunteers from Jackson Remodeling and Sound Seismic engineered a transfer platform that would make Bollitti-Pace's life a lot easier.

"Some ramps are more complicated than others," says ramp captain Roy Fleisher. "Getting in and out of her [Janice's house] makes or breaks her life."

Fleisher, who is a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish County (founders of the Rampathon project), got involved because of the great need for ramps in communities. It is an expense not everyone who is disabled can afford.

It takes a team of several companies to make it all happen. All the building material was donated by Limback Lumber in Ballard. Tully's Coffee donated breakfast and Design Perfect Inc. prepared a sandwich lunch for the hard-working crew.

"The effort to make the whole project come together is tremendous," says Fleisher.

Bollitti-Pace appreciates all that the volunteers are doing. She too gives back to the community in her own way. She is a chef at The Evergreen Court Retirement Community in Bellevue. When she became disabled she left her tony culinary career in country clubs to work in low-income housing for seniors. She can cook from her power chair, which has become an extension of her legs.

"They[the Rampathon volunteers] are going above and beyond," she said.

It took just an afternoon for the Rampathon crew to make a difference in this woman's daily life.

"She gives to the community," says Fleischer. "The reward for us is being able to give back. It is an honor and joy. Every year is a different experience."