Category: Stories

Hello Jean and the “Rebuilding Together” team,

I just wanted to let you know how much Mona and I appreciate the high-rise toilet you had installed in our home, the bathtub grab-bars and the ramp connected to our front porch.

What an absolute blessing they are.

I’ll never forget the day in March, 2011 when I sat beside Mona in the neuro-surgeon’s office as she explained to Mona that she had from one to two months to live. The doctor gave Mona two options: (1) Check into a nursing home and let herself pass (die) within a month or two. (2) Have surgery in an attempt to remove the extremely large tumor pressing against her brain-stem with the possibility of not surviving the surgery.

I’m sitting next to her in a sweat, trying my best to comprehend what I just heard about my wife’s life coming to an end in a few days. Well, Mona wasn’t going to just die without a fight and she got a little huffy and looked the doctor in the eye and said, “Are you through being a smart aleck with all the negative talk?” (Yes, Mona actually said that.) The doctor said, “Mona, I’m obligated to be honest and frank with you about this.” Mona replied, “I know that, but just go ahead and schedule the surgery. I will come through this!”

Well, Mona’s determination resulted in her surviving the surgery and the doctor calls her a “Miracle Girl”. But, it hasn’t been easy and Mona continues to have serious balance problems and some paralysis along with other issues and challenges connected with damage done by the tumor and two total hip replacements resulting from terrible falls also caused by the tumor.

With the huge hospital, doctor, prescription and other medical bills, the financial strain has been enormous. That makes the gifts from Rebuilding Together all the more appreciated.

Mona actually leans against the grab-bars when taking a shower to maintain balance. The high-rise toilet is really “perfect” for her. And, Mona now easily glides up and down the ramp with ease, whereas before, she had to carefully navigate the high steps and strain getting up and down to the front porch.

Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sincerely, Robert and Mona

Rebuilding Together OKC receives $35,000 from Bank of America for disaster recovery efforts!

Mrs. Bowen was named Board Member of the Year for her work at Rebuilding Together OKC

 Washington, D.C. – To celebrate the good work being done by affiliates across the nation, Rebuilding Together awarded five team members with “Of the Year Awards,” including Oklahoma City’s own Mrs. Cassie Bowen.  Mrs. Bowen was announced the national “Board Member of the Year” last week at Rebuilding Together’s National Conference in Washington D.C. for her outstanding contributions to Oklahoma City’s Rebuilding Together affiliate.

Each year, the Of the Year awards are presented to select members of Rebuilding Together’s affiliate network for exceptional leadership in their affiliate and their communities. These leaders are nominated by members of their affiliate’s staff and board.

In honor of Veteran’s Day, Rebuilding Together OKC would like to share stories of veterans we have served in recent years.

 

Mr. Noah – WWII and Korean War

Mr. Noah served as a second level gunner loading 35 pound ammunition into missiles on his ship during WWII.  After World War II, Noah returned home and finished high school.  Unfortunately less than a year later, Noah was called to New Orleans to join forces for the Korean War.  Between the two wars, Noah spent six years of his life on a ship fighting for our country.  Read more about Noah’s experience in the Navy and what Rebuilding Together OKC was able to do for this veteran!

 

Mr. Jack – Panama

In 1970, Mr. Jack enlisted in the military.  Months later, Jack was sent to serve in Panama as a tele-typist where he encoded messages.  “I was always raised that the least any young man or young lady, that is of age, could do is to give two years of life to serve their country,” Jack said.  Continue reading his story to see how Rebuilding Together OKC gave back to this veteran!

 

Mr. Herbert – Korean War

Mr. Herbert is a Korean War veteran who served in Korea and Germany.  He was assigned to the 1^st Infantry Division. Unfortunately, due to deteriorating knee joints Mr. Herbert was bound to a wheelchair.  Read his story to learn what Rebuilding Together OKC accomplished to make his home more wheel chair accessible!

Show your support for the troops this Holiday season with this Dog Heroes at Home Christmas ornament. Sears will donate $1 from the sale of this item to Rebuilding Together, up to a maximum donation of $60,000. Item is available  in Sears stores and on sears.com!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEWednesday, November 06, 2013
Contact: Sara C. Norton-Sanner
(405) 607-0464, sarachristine@rebuildingtogetherokc.org

Lowe’s provides $7,500 grant to Rebuilding Together OKC to complete renovation projects for Ms. Martha K.

Oklahoma City, OK. – On Saturday November 9, Rebuilding Together OKC will host a Lowe’s Project to complete critical home repairs and energy-efficiency upgrades of Ms. Martha K’s home. Rebuilding Together OKC received a $7,500 grant from Lowe’s making this project possible.  In previous weeks, Rebuilding Together OKC, with the help of community volunteers, has replaced Ms. Martha’s roof and her bathroom floor, as well as repairing holes and cracks in interior and exterior walls. This Saturday, volunteers will paint the interior and exterior walls, and the kitchen cabinets.

Ms. Martha K. is an independent 91-year-old living in the home she purchased for herself 45 years ago.  This retired waitress, who raised four children as a single mother, has been hit hard by age.  Ms. K is hearing impaired and blind in one eye.  She has also suffered from a heart attack and diabetes.  Martha isn’t able to reach light fixtures or change light bulbs.   Her doctor recommends she not use ladders or step stools.  This limits her in the repairs she can make on her own.  Though she faces difficulties with health, Ms. K. is determined to age in place.

Lowe’s provided a $310,000 grant to support 32 Rebuilding Together affiliates nationwide, including Rebuilding Together OKC.  Since 2007, Lowe’s has contributed more than $9 million to Rebuilding Together to improve local communities. This fall, Lowe’s and Rebuilding Together will complete their 1,000th project together.

“Lowe’s has been an amazing supporter of Rebuilding Together since our partnership began. We are very appreciative that Lowe’s is continuing to support efforts to make the homes of low-income homeowners more energy efficient,” said Charles Shimanski, president and CEO of Rebuilding Together. “Lowe’s support has helped nearly 11,000 homeowners across the country live in safe and healthy homes.”

____________________

Rebuilding Together OKC brings volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of low-income, elderly homeowners in the Oklahoma City metro area. Through our Year-Round Emergency Repair / Home Modification Program and our annual Rebuilding Day Program, we provide free home repairs, emergency home repairs and home modifications that foster safer mobility and independence, changing the lives of our elderly neighbors every day! For more information visit www.rebuildingtogetherokc.org.

 Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. The company’s signature education grant program, Lowe’s Toolbox for Education®, has donated more than $36 million to 8,000 K-12 public schools, benefiting more than 4 million schoolchildren. Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers support local community projects and our national nonprofit partners such as Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together and the American Red Cross. In 2012, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $30 million to support communities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. To learn more, visit Lowes.com/SocialResponsibility