Family Struggling with Child's Health Gets Trip to Hawaii, Home Makeover
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: October 24, 2012
MCLEAN--It has been said many hands make light work, and for the Lauterbach family's humble abode, that's exactly the case.
Their aged house is being completely redone, with the help of strangers.
"So many people have helped me to help them and I couldn't have done it without everybody," said Lynn Barnett.
Barnett is a Make-A-Wish volunteer responsible for this work site.
The Lauterbach's son had open heart surgery this spring.
His father has battled cancer while suffering from multiple sclerosis,
"He had started working on this house and he just couldn't," explained Barnett.
The family is now vacationing in Hawaii with the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
But Barnett wanted to take their trip a step further, especially for mother Kim.
"I said if I bring a group of people in while you're gone to finish your house would that be okay? And she started to cry."
Dozens of local business have pitched in to donate materials and appliances, including cement for a new outdoor walkway.
"She said every penny they make goes to medical bills, and they just can't financially and he can't physically do it himself," Barnett explained.
Now, word of the home improvement effort has spread throughout the area, inspiring more people to lend a hand.
"I'd heard the story about a boy that had some health problems and I just retired from teaching a year ago and I have a passion for children so I decided to pick up the phone and call," said volunteer Susan Fox.
With a new coat of paint, cabinets, and interior trim, this once tired house has a brand new look for a family these volunteers say needs a fresh start.
The Lauterbach's will return from vacation this Sunday.
Nearly $30,000 dollars in supplies and labor has been donated to the project.
Their aged house is being completely redone, with the help of strangers.
"So many people have helped me to help them and I couldn't have done it without everybody," said Lynn Barnett.
Barnett is a Make-A-Wish volunteer responsible for this work site.
The Lauterbach's son had open heart surgery this spring.
His father has battled cancer while suffering from multiple sclerosis,
"He had started working on this house and he just couldn't," explained Barnett.
The family is now vacationing in Hawaii with the help of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
But Barnett wanted to take their trip a step further, especially for mother Kim.
"I said if I bring a group of people in while you're gone to finish your house would that be okay? And she started to cry."
Dozens of local business have pitched in to donate materials and appliances, including cement for a new outdoor walkway.
"She said every penny they make goes to medical bills, and they just can't financially and he can't physically do it himself," Barnett explained.
Now, word of the home improvement effort has spread throughout the area, inspiring more people to lend a hand.
"I'd heard the story about a boy that had some health problems and I just retired from teaching a year ago and I have a passion for children so I decided to pick up the phone and call," said volunteer Susan Fox.
With a new coat of paint, cabinets, and interior trim, this once tired house has a brand new look for a family these volunteers say needs a fresh start.
The Lauterbach's will return from vacation this Sunday.
Nearly $30,000 dollars in supplies and labor has been donated to the project.
