Sharon Johnson, a retired Bellevue elementary school teacher, was the first 2013 recipient to receive the special gift of a wheelchair ramp at her Bothell home, giving her some access to freedom.

After 26 years serving as an elementary school teacher, Johnson was forced to retire after Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) made it difficult for her to walk or speak.

Tuesday was the ramp dedication and kick-off for the 20 Care Foundation’s Rampathon event. Westhill Inc., a Woodinville general contractor for 40 years and annual participant in the Rampathon, organized a work party of 30-plus employees and family members to build Johnsons’ ramp. They also added a handrail, replaced interior door knobs and installed other features to make life a little easier for Johnson.

Chris Huxford, Westhill’s team leader for the event, finds the Rampathon very rewarding.

“Our team always looks forward to seeing the happiness on each recipient’s face as they wheel down a ramp for the first time,” said Huxford. “It is so gratifying to know we’ve given them a little bit of the freedom that most people take for granted.”

Volunteers from the foundation will build 15 more ramps throughout King and Snohomish Counties on Saturday for low-income homeowners who need help getting in and out of their homes due to illness or disability. During the past 20 years more than 350 ramps have been donated thru the Master Builders Association.