Elkhart Pulls Together To Help One Of Their Own

An unfortunate chain of events could have hindered the lives of one family in Elkhart KS, but the local community refused to let that happen.

Vickie Myers has lived in Elkhart her entire life. She, her husband Tom, and their daughter, Jess, are very active in the community — helping others whenever they can. Early this year, however, it was Vickie and her family who needed help.

Vickie has suffered from Type 2 diabetes for years and had kept it under control until very recently. When it took a turn for the worse, doctors were forced to amputate both her legs.

“For anybody, it’d be shock. But I mean, it was better than her being in pain,” says Jess Myers

Vickie and Tom have lived in the same home for 29 years, but with Vickie confined to a wheelchair, the only way they could stay is if it became wheelchair accessible. That’s when this small town community rallied together.

A group of volunteers have built on a handicap accessible bedroom and bathroom to the Myers’s existing house. In addition, they’ve added two wheelchair ramps.

Perhaps what’s most impressive, is that nearly the entire exterior is complete after only one month of work.

Volunteers come in the evenings and on the weekends and sometimes stay until 10 pm working.

Lumber, windows, electric wheelchairs, a handicap accessible van, meals, and money have all been contributed to the Myers family.

“I have never seen a community like Elkhart–ever,” says family friend, Katherine Fowler. “I’ve lived a lot of different places, and I’ve never seen a community come together with such a willing open heart to make people’s lives more livable.”

“It means the world,” says Vickie Myers. “I want to thank everyone. It’s been a God-send. It’s wonderful. I love all these people.”