SANDY, UTAH (ABC 4 News) A few weeks ago, we showed you a youth group from a local LDS congregation that decided to give up a river rafting trip, and summer fun, to help a man who was trapped by his disability.
What started out as a service project for the Eastridge 1st Ward turned into a complete home-makeover. About forty teens participated, and gave up their Youth Conference to fund the renovation of Frank and Debby Rogers home. When funds were low, they were able to find dozens of corporate sponsors. The end result is a new life for Frank Rogers who lost his freedom, when he lost his legs to diabetes several years ago.
Frank Rogers says “It’s nice to be home, but the home is really nice. They have made improvements so that I can get all over the house.” Frank and his wife live in a tri-level home. Debby says they couldn’t afford to move. The stairs in and out of the home kept Frank isolated much of the time. “I would be in my room for maybe two, three months at a time.” It would take his wife Debby over an hour to maneuver him out of the home.
John Lamunyon, a leader in the Eastridge 1st Ward, says when the youth in the neighborhood were made aware of Frank’s predicament they were eager to get busy. “We came up with this idea of instead of going somewhere for youth conference, that we would stay and help somebody out.”
That help became a mammoth project. All of the walls in the home were stripped down to the studs, new plumbing and electrical work made the home safer. A new roof was added to keep out the elements. Ramps were installed in the front and back of the home so Frank is no longer alienated from the outside world. Inside, chair lifts make the entire home, once again, his. “I can do everything myself now.” Frank has also regained his ability to enjoy the outdoors in his new backyard. “It feels good. It’s like my wife would say it’s our own little park.”
Debby says the change in their lives is dramatic. “It’s night and day. “ She says sometimes it doesn’t feel real. “Who would ever even dream that this could happen to you.” She says they are both very grateful that it did. “We are grateful, holy cow!” As for the teens that gave up their time, and gave of their hearts, the Rogers say “We love them. We think they are totally amazing people.”
The youth involved in the project says that love goes deeper than a home renovation. Kylie says “It’s mutual to everyone.” And Callie says there are no regrets about giving up some summer fun. “It’s nice to see what we have done. They get to move in, they get to finally live here again. We made it better for them.”
