She hadn’t gone upstairs in over a year.
A former physical therapist, Pam’s health issues had become so painful she couldn’t even sleep in her own bedroom.
“I was diagnosed with polymyositis at age 22 when I was actually in physical therapy school. It didn’t start really affecting me health-wise until my late forties, early fifties,” Pam shared.
“In March of 2021, the polymyositis flared up again. Since then, I’ve had to have physical therapy. I have to use my walker and my cane. I have trouble with steps and low surfaces.”
Polymyositis is a rare autoimmune disease that attacks the muscles in the body, making it very difficult and painful to accomplish basic functions, like walking, sitting and even swallowing. The stairs in Pam and her husband Robert’s two-story house were especially demanding on her body.
“I got weaker, and I couldn’t really get up the steps as often anymore, and transfers from low surfaces became very hard. I started physical therapy and ended up having to be downstairs [regularly],” Pam said.
At this point in her health decline, Pam knew that she needed help with her home’s accessibility and started looking for options.
“I could tell I was slowly having this decline, and the Lord opened the door for me, using my therapy and rehab mind that He’s given me to look into resources,” Pam said. “That’s when I learned about Home Repairs Ministries.”
After sending in an application and getting it approved, Pam was able to get a repair day scheduled.
“They [HRM] were able to fix the threshold in the downstairs bathroom that my rolling walker had issues going over. They also installed some raised toilets; and those were such a plus because my husband needed to physically lift me off the toilet,” she said. “They also put in some grab bars.
“As I’m getting stronger, I believe that I’ll be able to go back up the steps as well because they put in an extra handrail. I had one, but I think holding onto the two handrails will help me be able to go up and down.”
The team was also able to help the yard get back to the neighborhood HOA’s standards — repairing the siding and threshold and adding some fresh paint. Jobs like these have been difficult for Pam and Robert during this time.
“All of this is very important to help increase my quality of life and my functional mobility,” Pam said. “I’m thankful that Home Repairs Ministries does [this work] to help those who are disabled, elderly or whoever needs help at a time like this.”
Not only did Home Repairs Ministries do the physical labor that was needed, but Pam was also touched by the personal care that the team extended to her.
“The other thing that really impressed me was that the first day we came they prayed with me, for me and my family. It was just very encouraging! And that’s what it’s all about — building each other up, praying for one another and supporting one another,” Pam said.
“Two women from the team came in and talked with me [Heather, HRM Executive Director, and Ashley, HRM Admin Assistant]. They were very caring, kind and compassionate. It goes a long way and really makes a difference when people genuinely care and show you the love of Jesus Christ.”
Pam and her family were encouraged and happy with Home Repairs’ work.
“They’re very efficient at what they do; they do an extraordinary job. We are very pleased with the repairs and everything. I’m so thankful that my home is much safer and is a better place because of what they’ve done to assist me in my family,” Pam said.
Pam is also very thankful for all those in the community who donate their time and resources so that Home Repairs Ministries can continue to bless families in need.
“Those who give to this ministry are demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ,” she said. “One scripture that comes to my mind is Matthew 25:40 where Jesus said, ‘Whatever you’ve done to the least of these you’ve done to Me.’
“Those people who give to Home Repairs Ministries — they are giving their work to God, and God is using Home Repairs Ministries to minister to people. These people are sharing the love of Jesus Christ and improving our quality of life.
“It’s my prayer that the Lord will continue to richly bless Home Repairs Ministries as a whole, but also the individuals that are part of the ministry, and their families. God is going to remember them and give them a great reward for helping those people, especially helping me and my family.”
This year-end, give to help us reach more homeowners in need like Pam: homerepairs.charityproud.org/donate.
