Ride For Life: 12 year old builds bridge for dad with ALS

Dylan Prevost can teach most adults valuable lessons; about seeing a need and filling it, or sacrificing pleasures for a greater good -- lessons he demonstrated by building a bridge.

Two years ago, Dylan's father Richard was diagnosed with ALS (more commonly known as Lou Gerhig's Disease). When he became wheelchair-bound, he could no longer travel the length of his four-acre yard in Vista Royale, where he resides with his wife Ginny (formerly Ginny McDonald), Dylan, and daughters Emily and Melodie.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. The cause is unknown, and there is no known cure.

“Wheelchairs don't go through washes,” acknowledged Ginny, referring to the three small riverbeds that run through the back of their property, carving steep gullies impossible for Richard to get through.

So Dylan and his father brainstormed, and then began formulating a plan.

“My dad is a geologist and he's very engineering minded,” explained the seventh-grader proudly, as he pointed to building projects such as a large shed, a chicken coop and another building in their yard that had been completed by Richard before ALS ravaged his body.

Once the bridge was designed, Dylan did the work.

“He had help carrying the wood,” said Ginny, “but Dylan did everything else by himself.”

The well-crafted, sturdy bridge spans the three washes and enables Richard to travel freely across their yard.

“It's about 90-feet long,” said Ginny. “And it looks more like a boardwalk,” she said with a smile.

“Actually, it's 88 feet,” corrected 12-year-old Dylan.

Beginning in October, he worked every weekend while balancing a schedule that included soccer, gymnastics, playing his keyboard, and “lots of homework.”

“The hardest part was setting the posts,” he reported. “I had to get them perfectly leveled and set up and put in the ground pretty deep so when the monsoon comes, it will hold.”

Once the bridge was framed, Dylan laid four-foot one-by-six planks across it.

He also acknowledged the help of a friend, Christopher Blewett.

The bridge will be complete when it is given a coat of paint or sealant. Dylan is thinking of just sealing it because he likes the natural look.

He does not see his accomplishment as a great feat -- only a practical expression of love for his father.

“I think my dad really appreciates that I'm doing this,” stated Dylan honestly.

Ginny smiled in agreement.

Though Richard can no longer walk, and even talking is difficult, his positive attitude sets a tone for the entire family.

“It's nice to be able to enjoy our nice backyard again,” said a beaming Richard. “And it's nice to have a handy son.”