Bridgeport residents are joining together to help a local grandmother who had both legs amputated.

Maria Hernandez developed diabetes when she was 21 years old. Between 2001 and 2016, Hernandez had both of her legs amputated as a result of the disease.

Now, the 54-year-old lives in a multifamily home. Hernandez says she needs a two-member ambulance crew to help her move around when she goes to dialysis three times a week.

Hernandez says it would feel like winning the lottery just to get her independence back.

"I want a ramp to make me feel good about myself," she says. "I can be more independent, I can go to the store. I have a basket, I can go to the store and get what I want."

Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim are also supporting the effort to get the ramp built.

"It's unconscionable that she's in a situation where she can't get out of her home," Ganim said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to pay for the ramp.

TO HELP: Contact fundraiser organizer: (203) 908-8091 | GoFundMe