Kids & Family

Ford Ramp Brings Smiles and Independence to Hartland Boy

Ford and UAW finished building a ramp in front of 6-year-old C.J. Meckes Hartland home.

The new extended ramp with attached deck in front of the Hartland home of 6-year-old C.J. Meckes was built "Ford Tough" and specifically designed to meet the needs of one high-spirited little boy who was born with spina bifida.

Due to the donations of supplies and labor of the United Auto Workers and Ford, under the direction of Vice President Jimmy Settles of the National Ford Department and Marty Malloy of the Labor Affairs for Ford Motor Co., the Creekside Elementary first-grader now has the ability to enter his own home independently for the first time in his life.

"We really weren't expecting all of this," mom Gina said. "Words can't even begin to start the thank you's."

Racing down his new ramp, young C.J. was all smiles and goofy faces as he happily thanked the UAW Ford workers who spent more than two weeks building the donated ramp.

"It's going to give him freedom, with mom's permission, to do whatever he wants," Gina Meckes said as she proudly watched her son show off his tricks. 

"It was awesome to watch him and we're just really glad to do this," Community Services Team Leader Shane Herrell said. 

For more of the story, click here.


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