A teenager with multiple health problems needed a wheelchair-accessible bathroom.
When the Remodelers Council learned about her need, members pooled their resources and delivered the bathroom — and more.
“The Remodelers Council had the distinct honor of helping improve the life of Dawn Boles, a 14-year-old young lady with special needs,” said Tom Trout III, who acted as project manager. “On Feb. 18, Dawn was presented with her new wheelchair-accessible bathroom.”
Trout said the Remodelers Council first heard about the teen’s condition and need in 2013. Then-council chair Katrina Hosea brought it to the attention of the council board.
“Dawn has health problems that challenge her daily,” Trout said. “She has osteogenesis imperfecta, a disorder that weakens her bone structure and forces her to use a wheelchair or a walker. She has broken bones at least 50 times. One femur has been broken six times.
“A second condition, von Willebrand disease, is a rare bleeding disorder estimated to occur in only 1 to 2 percent of the population,” Trout continued. “It interferes with blood clotting, causing Dawn to bleed excessively and requiring transfusions if she’s cut.”
In the process of remodeling the bathroom, the Remodelers Council team was able to correct structural inefficiencies in the home, giving the family a new and improved laundry room, as well as the bathroom.
“We are proud to say this project was made possible by the generous material donations and labor volunteers, most of whom are members of the NEFBA Remodelers Council,” Trout said. “It was a pleasure working with them to bring this project to a successful conclusion.”