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Albert Lean Ruth Olson never thought she would feel trapped inside her own home. 

But for a time, that’s exactly how she says she felt — unable to leave her house, even to attend medical appointments important for her health. 

Not able to walk because of nerve damage that she believes was the result of chemotherapy for cancer, Olson was hospitalized for a time before living at St. John’s Lutheran Community and then returning to her home in time for New Year’s Day. 

“I did everything I could and I was not improving,” she said of her challenges. “I said if I can’t get better here, I might as well go home. I have a house. I have a home.” 

So that’s what she did, and with the help of her family got a wheelchair and has been able to maneuver around her house. The problem, however, came with getting in and out of the house as she was no longer able to climb up or down the handful of steps outside her home. 

Thanks to a group of people all working to better seniors in the community, Olson about two weeks ago was gifted a ramp that will allow her to get in and out of her house — albeit still with a little help. 

“I don’t feel so trapped inside,” she said. “I feel more free, even though I still need help. Now, if I need to get out, I can.”

Olson said prior to last fall, she had been independent, driving, still mowing the lawn and attending activities in the community. 

But one day last fall she was mowing the lawn, and all of the sudden she could not breathe. 

She said when she was taken to the hospital, doctors found fluid around her lung, and when they tested the fluid, doctors found cancer cells. She said doctors told her that the only treatment that was recommended was chemotherapy. 

Though she was initially opposed to chemo, Olson decided to try a few rounds. A few days after the fourth round, she said she couldn’t walk any longer.

After a hospitalization and stint at St. John’s, she returned back home, and a social worker told her about some resources that could be available to help her with a ramp. Unfortunately, she was not able to find any help for her cause. 

One day, she said Jean Eaton, who helps lead the Age-Friendly Freeborn County initiative, stopped by her home to deliver some Girl Scout cookies she had ordered from Eaton’s granddaughter. 

Olson told her the story of what had taken place in recent months and told her she had no way to get out of the house to go to the doctor. 

The wheels started turning for Eaton about all of the different organizations that she has worked with through the Age-Friendly initiative. She described the situation to Bart Berven with Albert Lea Fire Rescue, who is heading up the city’s new Help Connect program, which is trying to fill in gaps to help seniors stay in their homes. 

“All along there’d be times where someone needs help, but it fell through the cracks,” Berven said. 

He started contacting other organizations until the idea came up to reach out to the Disabled American Veterans, of which his father is a part. 

Local DAV Cmdr. Bob Sharp said because Olson served a year in the Air Force, the organization, along with the American Legion Riders, were able to take on Olson’s plea for help. Between the two organizations, they came up with the needed pieces for a platform and ramp, and on Olson’s 85th birthday, representatives from both organizations surprised Olson at her house to install it.

Sharp said the groups have installed other ramps for other veterans in need in the community. 

“As commander, I’m really proud of all the members of our organizations,” he said. “The DAV, we’re all disabled and old, but they still have time to get out and help their fellow veterans. I’m proud of every one of them for spending the time and putting in the effort.” 

Olson said she was grateful for all who played a part in the project and noted she is pleased that the ramp is temporary so others can utilize it after she is no longer able to. 

“I want to fight this, but it really bothered me I couldn’t get out,” she said. 

Eaton encouraged any other seniors in the community who might need assistance like Olson did to reach out to Senior Resources, which can help them know which organizations may best assist them. The organization can be reached at 507-377-7433.