BAKERSFIELD, CA - Volunteers are building hope, constructing a wheelchair ramp for a local single mother.
The ramp was intended for Sophia Gaston's adopted son, Jonathan, who lost his ability to walk due to brain cancer. But on Memorial Day, he also lost his battle.
Gaston decided to foster and adopt Jonathan, because she has Lupus and couldn't work. It gave her a chance to do something she loved.
Now, the new wheelchair ramp is a symbol of Gaston and her son, the ups and downs.
"It's a good memory. Every time I look at it, you know, there's my baby," said Gaston staring at the ramp, still under construction.
Gaston decided to foster Jonathan when he was just two weeks old and after she'd been diagnosed with Lupus. Two year later, Jonathan was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Gaston immediately filed for adoption.
"The judge said are you sure this is what you want to do? And I said yes," said Gaston. "We was like two peas in a pod. Wherever I was, he was there. That's what kept me going."
Jonathan, who was expected to live to only 5, turned 11. But, that is when doctors found his tumor was growing.
"He was able to walk and run. Then all of a sudden he couldn't walk," said Gaston.
His sudden and rapid decline is where the ramp comes in. Plans to build it sped up. And soon, Gaston needed it too. Lupus claimed one of her legs.
"After that, I put myself on hold because I knew I had to get the other leg cut. He knew it too," said Gaston.
"People's hearts were in once they heard the story," said Tatia Jennings, Gaston's friend.
Habitat for Humanity told Kern Youth Build about the need, and the students made it their summer project.
"It makes it that much better for the students when they can, when they know they are really contributing and helping folks like this," said Joseph White, instructor of Kern Youth Build.
But before the ramp could be built, Jonathan passed away. And, Gaston's losses continued, having her other leg amputated last week. Things she counted on were gone.
But her confidence is building, along with the ramp. She's seeing there are people who care. And now, even if she's at the bottom, she can lift herself up.
"But, now I can put my leg on and hold on and walk without nobody trying, with no support. So, that's why I think that's going to help a whole lot right there," said Gaston.
All of the materials for the ramp were donated by the Mendiburu Magic Foundation and Lowes. It should be done by Friday.
Gaston is now fostering another little boy with Cerebral Palsy. He's also in a wheelchair. The new ramp will help him, as well.