A Fort Myers woman fighting breast cancer received the life-changing gift of a new roof and critical home repairs just in time for the holidays thanks to a partnership between Lee BIA Builders Care and Lennar Homes.
Albina Lapan, 61, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. Today, she continues to receive chemotherapy and rehabilitation, but treatments and numerous surgeries to remove the cancerous cells have left her too weak to work. Lapan’s limited social security income is just enough to cover her medical bills, and she has been unable to complete a number of major home repairs. Her 31-year-old shingle roof, which was further damaged by Hurricane Irma, was in desperate need of replacement, along with a multitude of related improvements, from drywall to flooring. Her living conditions created a significant concern for her health and recovery.
Donors and partners came together to complete the much-needed home renovations for the homeowner in under two weeks, gathering Dec. 20 to unveil the improvements that will improve comfort and quality of life for Lapan. Lee BIA Builders Care provided these critical repairs to Lapan at no cost, thanks to a generous donation from Lennar Homes.
“It’s a special time of year for us to give back with our hearts and hammers to Albina Lapan who needs us,” said David Meyers, director of operations for Lennar Homes Southwest Florida Division. “It’s great to have all our associates, trade and business partners come together to build something so special.
In addition to Lennar, a number of local partner suppliers and contractors donated their time, services and building materials to complete the renovations, including: ABC Supply Co., Ad-Ler Roofing, Blue Water Construction of SW Florida, Carrigan Brothers, D and D Garage Doors, Florida Heat & Air, Gouse’s Fine Furniture, JEB Environmental, Juniper Landscaping, Knight’s Creations, Liberty Aluminum, Mabri Painting, Naples Electric, Pinnacle USA, Sherwin-Williams, Southwest Disposal & Clean Up, United Site Services, and Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings.
Improvements included the replacement of the shingle roof, and repairs to drywall, siding and lanai screening. Fresh paint, flooring, accessible shower and new overhead garage door were also provided.
“We are so thrilled to provide Albina with these vital home improvements that allow her to enjoy a comfortable and safe environment during this time of recovery,” said Becky Swift, executive director of Lee BIA Builders Care. “We are so thankful to Lennar and all of the project partners who helped make this life-changing gift possible for our neighbor in need. She was welcomed home with a Christmas tree, new living room furniture and so much more.”
About Lee BIA Builders Care
Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (Lee BIA). The mission of Lee BIA Builders Care is to provide emergency construction services at no cost to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners, and their families, who cannot obtain repairs through traditional means. To date, Lee BIA Builders Care has put more than $4.5 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 and the Lee BIA are headquartered at 6835 International Center Blvd. #4 in Fort Myers. The Lee Building Industry Association (www.BIA.net) is a 64-year-old association affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders and Florida Home Builders Association that serves to promote, protect and preserve homeownership, private property rights and affordable housing by advocating for balanced laws, regulation and fees through member education and outreach. Donations can be made online at www.LeeBuildersCare.org. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056. Follow Builders Care at Facebook.com/LeeBuildersCare or on Twitter @LeeBuildersCare.
