'Miracle gift.' 87-year-old Greenburgh minister continues to serve her community, thanks to wheelchair ramp
After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her right knee two years ago, 87- year-old Annie Bovian began using a wheelchair and a walker to get around.
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An 87-year old minister from Greenburgh is expressing her thanks for what she calls a "miracle gift" that will allow her to continue to help others through her ministry.
After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her right knee two years ago, 87- year-old Annie Bovian began using a wheelchair and a walker to get around. Although she decided against knee replacement surgery, "Rev. Annie," as she is affectionately known, refused to slow down.
"I'm not that kind of person, I like to get out," she said.
Bovian, who earned a Masters of Divinity Degree from Harvard University, still gives hope and counsel to others as an ordained minister and as an advisor to incarcerated women. But now things have gotten even brighter for her, thanks to the donation of a wheelchair ramp.
Volunteers with the nonprofit Fuller Center for Housing of Greater New York City delivered the ramp to her home on Saturday.
She calls the gift "a miracle."
She says the process began when a friend contacted Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner.
"He called me, which I was shocked and he said, 'We're going to help you,'" she said. "It changed my life. I've always tried to be as jolly and as confident as possible, but I'm really confident now. I can get out of the house, I'm not housebound."
The New Rochelle-based Fuller Center for Housing also plan to continue to help Bovian. Volunteers will arrive at her home this week to trim bushes around the house and to spray paint her fence.
To donate or to find out how to help, visit the Fuller Center website.
