Finish handicap remodel and get rid of mold

Hi, my name is Janica, and I'm raising money for Melanie Tucker and her husband, Dennis.

Melanie, an elementary school paraprofessional and librarian, has Ehlers Danlos and post polio syndromes, which affect her ability to keep her balance, and cause numbness, joint dislocation, and pain, and her husband Dennis is legally blind. Both are permanent and progressive disabilities.

For the last year, I've helped Melanie by training Hank, a Labrador retriever, to be a service dog for her, and it has been great to see their bond strengthen through the training journey, but now they are having trouble progressing as a team in their home due to limited finances for a remodel project to make their home safer.

Melanie and Dennis saved as much money as they could for the handicap accessibility remodel, but unexpected problems arose. With help from friends, they were able to get flooring installed, but the biggest problem is that mold was discovered in the bathroom.

The mold remediation is estimated to cost $14,000. Melanie and Dennis need a safe place to live, and they're almost there, but they and Hank the service dog are getting sick from the mold while they're trying to save the money they need.

--They only need another $3,000 for the mold remediation and bathroom remodel to replace the tub with a walk in shower and grab bars.

--The front door access to the home is difficult, even for able-bodied people. Melanie and Dennis would like to forgo the two steps they currently have and install a ramp.

--Melanie also has POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), and has to sleep in an elevated position, so for the past year and a half, she has had to sleep in a recliner in the living room. Full funding would allow her and Dennis to get a new bed with adjustable positioning.

If funds beyond our goal is reached, Melanie and Dennis would like to install a dog door so Hank doesn't have to rely on them when he needs to go outside to relieve himself.

This little family has worked so hard and been blessed by so many. They would never feel comfortable asking for money, but they shouldn't have to compromise their health and safety while waiting until they can save enough themselves.

Thank you in advance for giving and sharing!