An Edmonds amputee receives a free wheel chair ramp during annual Rampathon

Irons Brothers volunteers by completed ramp

On Saturday, May 14, 2011, Irons Brothers Construction completed their construction of a wheel chair ramp for Arlene Shields at 8506 Madrona Lane in Edmonds, WA. This ramp was built as part of the annual Master Builders Care Foundation’s (MBCF) annual Rampathon event.

MBCF is the philanthropic arm of the Master Builders Association (MBA) of King and Snohomish Counties and coordinates community events throughout the year. Since 1993, more than 300 ramps have been built by MBA builder captain members for neighbors in need. Despite the current economy, Irons Brothers Construction and 15 other builders and remodelers have joined efforts to build 16 free wheel chair ramps for those with a disability and financial need.

Joseph Irons, President of Irons Brothers Construction, based in Shoreline, WA, and his team of volunteers has participated in Rampathon for the past seven years. This year’s recipient, Ms. Shields, is disabled due to complications from heart disease. She is a wheel chair bound double amputee.  She was unable to afford ramp construction on her social security income.

On Thursday May 12, Joseph and his team started the demolition for the new wheel chair ramp. They concluded the construction on Saturday the 14. This included the wheel chair ramp, some minor landscaping, and a small bathroom modification.

To coordinate and build wheel chair ramps, the building captain must spent time to design and plan. This year 10 volunteers came together to build a ramp for Arlene to improve her freedom and accessibility. With this new ramp, she is hoping to qualify for a power chair to help her maneuver in and out of the house. While they were onsite, Irons Brothers Construction also modified a small bathroom for Ms. Shields. They removed a large sink vanity which now allows her access into and out of the room.

Joseph and the staff at Irons Brothers Construction take their philanthropic work very seriously. 

“There is nothing more rewarding than using our skills to improve the lives of others,” stated Joseph Irons. 

This year’s ramp was built from concrete and will be aesthetically pleasing to the eye and complement Ms. Shield’s home without even looking like a traditional wheel chair ramp.

"Thanks to the Master Builders Care Foundation and generous donors and volunteers this ramp was built at no cost to the recipient.  The donors who made this ramp construction possible were: The Home Depot Foundation, Irons Brothers Construction, Greenworks Concrete, Foundations, Etc. and Stanwood Readi-Mix."

Irons Brothers Construction, Donors, Volunteers and staff pictured include: Joseph Irons, Melissa Irons, Tod Werner, Arne Strand, Elizabeth Strand, Scarlet Haney, Rhett Irons, Ralph Siemering, Kitty Kelleigh, and Dan Otsman. Photos courtesy of: Irons Brothers Construction, Inc.