6 short weeks ago, I walked through a home in Point Elizabeth (the neighborhood I grew up in) with Eric Newman from Roc Solid. He explained that Aubree, a 3 year old girl wheelchair bound by a tumor on her spine, lived here with her parents and older brother (who is autistic and fulllll of happy energy) and they needed some help via our next Roc Solid Renovation.
Ryan and Nicole, Aubree and Halen’s parents, had begun renovations before they found out about a large cancerous tumor on Aubree’s spine. She’s been through chemo and many other treatments, but is still paralyzed and wheelchair bound…making her home with a sunken living room inaccessible. Together with Sasser Construction, USA Discounters, Bay Cabinets, Inc., Backyard Haven, ITM Construction, Kuhlman & Sons, Southern Playground, Waverly Landscaping, the Rotary Club of Churchland, Jojack’s Espresso Bar & Cafe, Big Woodys Chesapeake Square andChick-fil-A of Portsmouth Blvd, we managed to take the Evan’s house from a construction site to a maneuverable handicap-friendly home.
Starting out front, volunteers built a ramp and a set of stairs leading up to the front entry. They also landscaped the whole front yard making the home more welcoming from the curb.
(To be replaced with a picture of the completed project…minus people and tents and things)
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Out back, Backyard Haven donated and installed an in-ground pool and Roc Solid put up a handicap accessible playground to help with Aubree and Halen’s therapy and to provide an escape for the parents.
(To be replaced with a picture of the completed project…)
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Inside, Sasser Construction and Bay Cabinets completely renovated their kitchen, installed new floors, and built ramps. I literally came into the house one afternoon and within the course of 24 hours they finished the kitchen, including refacing and painting the cabinets, granite countertops, and the surprise backsplash! Here is a before picture of the kitchen…
And the after pictures…
We also changed out all the light fixtures, got all new furniture (most of which was donated by USA Discounters) and art/accessories (a super busy 3 days at TJ/Marshalls/Target/Garden Ridge!!). Here is the before picture of the living room…
And the after…
We also gave them a play/craft room with a sitting area for the parents and a formal dining room. Here is the before picture of that area…
And the finished product (minus a sideboard/server that was delivered to the dining room literally as the family was pulling up–seriously couldn’t have been more perfect timing!!).
Their reactions, captured by the Virginian Pilot, were priceless!!
As always, I was honored and humbled to work with such amazing people and I hope this home helps them to move forward into their happy and healthy future!!
Thank you to all who helped make this possible!!.jpg)
