I need your help.
My current project started with this news story about a local Pittsville Emergency Service Worker, Ryan Stevenson.Ryan was hit by drunk driver over the summer and is now a quadriplegic.
My heart broke.A young man struck in his prime.A young man who was a big part of the community he lived in and served.A young man that literally lived down the street from our office. A young man that just wants to come home.
I shared the story on facebook and a few hours later Laura Bren, our President, texted me. She told me to go – call my friends and fix the house. And in giving me this directive set me on a life altering course.
In my life I have worked a number of insurance claims and construction projects and so I took on the project like it was a job. In the news story, Ryan’s mother Terri asked for some flooring and the removal of a wall, but with any good construction project, I had to look at it myself and figure out a good scope of work.
I called my friend, Joe Pino of United Restoration. I did a little cyber stalking, and I got the number for Terri – Ryan’s mom. I saw the story on Saturday afternoon and by Monday night, Joe and I were at the house. As suspected, Terri needed more than a wall and a floor, so much more.
Today, Terri is in the process of moving back in to her home with her children. She can’t wait.
- Artic Heating & Air supplied a new HVAC system for the home.Russell Queen made sure it was energy efficient.This will allow Terri to see a reduction in all future electric bills.
- Sherwin Williams supplied the flooring throughout the house.A nice thick plank flooring that can really take the weight and wear of a wheel chair.
- Habitat for Humanity raised enough money and will be installing the handicapped ramp at the Stevenson home in early January.
- Scott’s Electric performed electrical upgrades for the new HVAC and moved around some electric outlets for the wall and bathroom.
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United Restoration supplied the labor and materials to remove the wall, remodeled the bathroom for handicapped accessibility, installed new flooring and ran the show.
The Stevenson family also did a great job:
- Decluttering 20+ years of life that had gathered in the attic and throughout the home.
- Painting the interior of the home.
- Focusing on Ryan and his health to get him home where he belongs.
In the end with all the help from the community and the family, the entire project cost $1,200.This is where I need your help.
- I need a few good fundraising ideas to pay off the $1,200 – Fixing the house was the easy part – but fundraising ideas stress me out. Please share any ideas and let me know if you are willing tohelp get this done.
- I also ask you to pray for Ryan.His spirit is strong but his health is fragile.Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
In the first meeting I had with Terri and Joe, I wanted to be clear about my own personal limitations.I could get the house fixed, but I had no way to fix a broken body or spirit.Joe stopped and told Terri, “We can fix a soul.”I was confused and scared to take on that type of challenge.As the first phase of this project comes to a close I realize we did fix a soul, mine.I have been humbled, moved to tears, and filled with grace by the kindness and actions of United Restoration, Sherwin Williams, Arctic Heating & Air and the Stevenson family.
I will continue to work to bring Ryan home in any small way I can. Join me. Be part of his story.
