‘That’s what family does’: Driver Ronald Miller on the way back to health

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It’s a fact that trucking is a charitable industry. Truckers are usually willing to help, and it shows with the millions of dollars raised for various charitable organizations within the industry, as well as the work done and money raised for efforts outside of it.

It’s awesome to know the programs and money exist, it’s great to have the opportunity to contribute, and it’s even better to watch charities work together to accomplish goals for families in need.

In December 2017, truck driver Ronald Miller was admitted to a Pensacola, Fla., hospital with the flu. Over the holidays, his condition became worse, with complications that eventually led to paralysis, causing Ronald to be wheelchair-bound, and unable to work.

Ronald MillerRonald Miller

Ronald’s daughter Robin contacted the St. Christopher Truckers Development and Relief Fund and was able to receive financial assistance with mortgage/utility expenses, so Ronald’s family could keep their home and he could focus on recuperating enough to leave the hospital, where medical bills were piling up quickly.

Ronald’s home was not equipped with a wheelchair ramp, which was a condition of Ronald’s release from the hospital, so St. Christopher  reached out to TruckersFinalMile.org, to see if they could assist in the construction of a compliant, safe wheelchair ramp.

Through the magic of mainstream media and the help of WEAR TV 3, TruckersFinalMile.org was able to connect with local volunteers in the Pensacola community. Yesterday, with labor provided by Ray of Hope Wheelchair Ramps, and volunteers and construction materials provided by TFM, construction began at Ronald’s home on a 50-ft, fully compliant wheelchair ramp.

The new wheelchair ramp will allow Ronald to recuperate at home.The new wheelchair ramp will allow Ronald to recuperate at home.

After a site inspection by the hospital scheduled for Monday, Ronald will be released and reunited with his family, where he can recuperate in the comfort of his own home, and enjoy the safety of a compliant wheelchair ramp.

That’s good stuff, y’all, and according to Robert Palm at TFM, “that’s what family does.”

Get well soon, Ronald.

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