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Wheelchair-Bound Paterson Man Advances Treatments Thanks To Donated Lift

CRESSKILL, N.J. -- Giants of Generosity installed a wheelchair lift for Paterson resident Conrado Bermudez so he can independently receive dialysis treatments three times a week. 

Conrado Bermudez of Paterson tries out his new chair lift, donated by Handi-Lift, Inc. in Carlstadt. The donation and connections to contractors were arranged through Giants of Generosity in Cresskill.

Conrado Bermudez of Paterson tries out his new chair lift, donated by Handi-Lift, Inc. in Carlstadt. The donation and connections to contractors were arranged through Giants of Generosity in Cresskill.

Photo Credit: Caryn Starr-Gates

“Thank you so much for this," said Bermudez, whose lift was donated by Handi-Lift Inc., in Carlstadt. ”You’ve really made a difference in my life. I can now take some classes I’ve been wanted to take as well.”

Bermudez is currently awaiting a kidney transplant and formerly required the aid of two men to carry him and his wheelchair down eight steps to the medical transport van and then up the steps after treatment. 

Giants of Generosity provides critical connections to services, resources and emergency-relief funding to individuals facing severe circumstances. The Cresskill-based non-profit installed a ramp upon the request of Bermudez's family.

President and founder D. Jane Albanese contacted G&L and Sons Construction in Cedar Grove for the project. The company determined that an external chair lift was required instead of a ramp due to the elevation. 

James Boydston of Handi-Lift, Inc. in Carlstadt offered to donate a $14,000 elevator and Giants of Generosity raised funds for the masonry expenses. G&L and Sons installed the electrical service and supervised the project at no charge. 

Paterson Mayor Jose Torres; Paul Ryan of Garavante Lifts, the manufacturer, who flew in from Surrey, British Columbia, Canada; James Boydston and Luke Lesniowski of Handi-Lift, Inc.; and David Caputo of G&L and Sons Construction were in attendance for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the elevator on Dec. 10. 

Albanese and board members Bettina Fowler, Jon Devol and Edith Sims of GOG were also in attendance. 

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