On a dark and stormy day at the end of last summer, when the remnants of Tropical Storm Debbie wreaked havoc with heavy rains, flooding and high winds in the Albany area, Bette Anne and Tom’s sump pump failed. This wreaked even more havoc in the lower level of their house, destroying flooring and drywall about 2 feet above the floor, and damaging doors, furniture, etc. While insurance and personal funds covered removal of the damaged materials, remediation of the dampness that remained and purchase of a new sump pump, it was not enough to cover all the reno that needs to take place. Quotes from contractors are ranging from $25-35K!

John and Liz were visiting on their way to the Cape in October and John whipped out his trusty measuring tape and they began to generate ideas and ways to save money. John is willing to do the labor, along with some help from Liz and Luke. We are asking for your support to cover the expenses so we can turn this into usable space. Scope of the work includes replacing all doors and flooring, installing wainscoting/bead board along the bottom of the walls, putting up a wall to give little Joseph a place to sleep when visiting, repairing the built-ins that John and Leo installed originally, and re-creating an office space for Bette Anne to write. Also included is a simple camera system so Tom can see and communicate with people who are downstairs.

We have also included funds for a new Hoyer lift. Currently they are using a manually operated one and insurance won’t cover a power one because they already have ‘one that works.’ Using a manual one is literally becoming a back-breaking ordeal for Bette Anne.

This Go Fund Me page is Liz and John’s idea. Elizabeth knows and thinks it’s a great idea, Bette Anne and Tom do not know about it. It will only be open to our family; the link will not be made public. If you have anyone you would like to share it with, please feel free to.

For many years we have all been saying to ourselves that we wish we could help them in some way…here’s our chance!