Replacement to aid homeowner with chronic back pain and nerve damage
Due to financial constraints and medical bills, more than 10 homeowners are seeking support from Lee BIA Builders Care, and are currently waiting for air conditioning replacements in Lee County. In response to asking building partners and businesses to assist them in helping local homeowners, Dr. Kool Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and Goodman Manufacturing have partnered with Lee BIA Builders Care to provide a new air conditioning system for a couple in need.
Dave and Janice Olson were a hard-working couple with Janice raising and home-schooling their four children, while Dave worked repairing computers in Minneapolis for over 20 years. After a longer than promised layoff and a family to care for, they moved their family to Arcadia, where Dave had been offered a job in the parts department at Galeana Chrysler. The family then moved to Fort Myers where they now reside. Dave and Janice have been married for over 40 years. Dave has damaged nerves in his Sciatica that have led to chronic back pain after a total of five back surgeries over the last six years. He cannot stand very long due to side effects of his medication and has a surgical implant that releases morphine regularly to ease his incessant pain.
On June 22, the Olson’s wish was granted when owners and team members of Dr. Kool Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and Goodman Manufacturing marched down the street and surprised the couple with materials to replace their failing unit that was only working at 30 percent. The replacement of the unit will aid in Dave’s comfort given he is in constant pain. The project was completed in just one day.
“God is faithful, he has never left us. He is a living hope, it is not a word; it is an action” said Janice Olson in response to her and her husband’s struggle with health, and the generous donation of Dr. Kool Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and Goodman Manufacturing.
Dr. Kool Air Conditioning and Refrigeration provided the labor to complete the air conditioning system installation and the materials were donated by Goodman Manufacturing. All services and products were provided by the companies at no charge to the homeowner.
“Our older generation took care of us as children and made sure we had what we needed. It’s time for us to take care of them and give back where they need help,” said Mark Maner, owner of Dr. Kool Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
During the summer months, Builders Care receives an increase in the number of air conditioning requests and is currently seeking additional support. Businesses who wish to provide materials, services or financial support can contact Christi Pritchett Sarlo,executive director, Lee BIA Builders Care.
“Air conditioning issues are one of the most common requests that come into our office this time of year,” said Sarlo. “These companies have relieved major stress off of a family that will be appreciated for many years to come.”
About Builders Care
Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its mission is to provide emergency home repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has put more than $3.8 Million in construction services back into the community at no cost to homeowners in need. Builders Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 10501 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Suite 118 in Fort Myers. The Building Industry Association (www.BIA.net ) is a 62-year-old association affiliated with National Home Builders Association and Florida Home Builders Association that serves to strengthen our community by advancing a professional building industry through advocacy, education and services. Donations can be made online at www.LeeBuildersCare.org, or to the Builders Care general fund at BB&T Page Field branch at 4959 South Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056. Follow Builders Care at Facebook.com/LeeBuildersCare or on Twitter @LeeBuildersCare.
