When a wheelchair ramp vanished from the Harbin home on Nov. 6, Louisville residents responded with the kind of neighborly compassion that strengthens families and neighborhoods. The ramp, essential for 13‑year‑old Cerenity Harbin to get in and out of her house and board the school bus, was taken from the family’s front yard. Within days, the community organized a GoFundMe campaign that raised enough money to install a brand‑new ramp.
Quick community action
Mother Brittney Harbin discovered the missing ramp while helping Cerenity onto the bus. She posted the loss on social media, and the story quickly spread across local Facebook groups, neighborhood forums, and the WLKY news desk. The response was immediate: friends, neighbors, and even strangers contributed to the GoFundMe page, expressing a shared belief that every child deserves safe, independent mobility.
Fundraising success and new installation
The GoFundMe campaign surpassed its goal, allowing the family to purchase a custom‑built ramp that meets Cerenity’s specific wheelchair dimensions. On Thursday, the Harbins shared the good news with WLKY – a new ramp had been installed at their home. “Thank you for the donations and the support,” Cerenity said in a short video posted by her mother, smiling as she rolled off the bus onto the new ramp.
Why safe access matters
Access to a reliable ramp is more than a convenience; it is a matter of dignity and safety for families dealing with mobility challenges. The Harbin family’s experience highlights how quickly a community can mobilize to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities, reinforcing the Christian principle of caring for one’s neighbor.
Local leaders applaud the effort
Louisville Metro officials praised the outpouring of support, noting that the city’s own disability‑access programs aim to prevent such thefts and ensure that families have the resources they need. While the incident underscores the need for continued vigilance, the successful replacement demonstrates the power of local solidarity.
Looking ahead
With the new ramp in place, Cerenity can resume her daily routine without fear of injury or inconvenience. The Harbin family hopes their story encourages other families facing similar challenges to seek help and reminds the broader community that a small act of generosity can make a lasting difference.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.