BUILDING HOPE for the Velazquez Family
We are excited to announce the Velazquez family will be the recipient of our next Building Hope renovation. The project will focus on an ADA retrofit to make the family's home more accessible for Bryan (20) and Jonathan (14) who have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a disease that causes loss of muscle strength and functionality, eventually causing complete immobility.
When asked about a detailed account of the family's day, the mother took a long pause before tearfully sharing,
"I wake up before everyone and drive down to my church to pray for strength to get through the day."
The boys are both wheelchair-bound since the age of 9 years old and are cared for by their mother and father who share around-the-clock duties whether it's bathing, feeding, clothing, and everything in between. Our goal is to make the daily tasks much easier, and as Mrs. Velazquez explained of the impact the renovation will have, "it will be a gift of freedom" for the boys and the parents. Currently, they are doing the best they can and improvising where necessary such as during mealtime when a box is placed on top of the table so the plate of food can meet the height of the boys' mouth.
The boys are both wheelchair-bound since the age of 9 years old and are cared for by their mother and father who share around-the-clock duties whether it's bathing, feeding, clothing, and everything in between. Our goal is to make the daily tasks much easier, and as Mrs. Velazquez explained of the impact the renovation will have, "it will be a gift of freedom" for the boys and the parents. Currently, they are doing the best they can and improvising where necessary such as during mealtime when a box is placed on top of the table so the plate of food can meet the height of the boys' mouth.
The planned modifications will increase mobility throughout the home:
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extensive remodel of the bathroom to accommodate the wheelchairs and body lift for easier transferring to toilet and shower
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Expanding living space by removal of obstructing walls
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widening doorways
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new mobile-adjustable height kitchen table to allow for versatile tasks including homework and meal-time, and other disability-friendly furnishings including adjustable medical beds
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new main-entrance into the home to allow for wheelchair entry with addition of exterior pathway
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security gate addition with sensor to allow touchless access
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Backyard redesign to allow for wheelchair activities
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Smart System installation for voice-controlled lighting and doors
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Miscellaneous interior/exterior home repairs
As the boy's age, they are getting heavier and it has become more difficult for their parents to carry/transition them, so these modifications will have a significant impact on their daily living and on the family's overwhelming stress level. Currently, the boys share a bedroom and sleep in the same bed. With the renovation, Bryan and Jonathan will have their own bedroom with individual medical/adjustable beds. Needless to say, they are very excited about having their own bedroom where they can enjoy privacy and rest along with music, video games and watching movies and their favorite sports including the Raiders, Golden Knights and UFC!
These boys have not only had to deal with this progressive condition which continues to limit their physical capabilities, they've had to endure cruel bullying at school. The laughing, shoving, name-calling, and physical aggression has added another layer to their mental health challenges.
Our goal is to create a home for them to move around freely in as well as an environment they can feel safe and comfortable in -- a safe haven.
Father helping son use bathroom.
Brushing teeth at kitchen table.
Please keep this family in your thoughts as they are at a point of desperation and send us your good vibes for a successful renovation! We are excited to have a positive change in this very deserving family's life!
Please feel free to share this newsletter with friends who may want to help in Building Hope for the Velazquez family!
Thank you!
Mandy & The Good Deed Project Team