I shared a post about the hope of renovating Dexter's house.
I knew it could be done... I just didn't know the right people.
The post came about after hearing some people from Scope go through Dexter's house, assessing it for disability access. The Scope representatives found faults everywhere! Every room had at least one thing that needed to be changed. Some were minor changes. Some... well, some of the changes were huge.
I could feel the tension and worry, as Lenice and Andrew realised how much needed to be done, just to be able to include Dexter in their daily life.
I could feel a heaviness settle in the room, as their hearts sunk. It wasn't possible. It was too much. It wasn't fair.
And so, I went public with the idea of a community-driven house renovation project.
I'd already tried other options. I'd applied to every renovation show in Australia. I'd written to every magazine and TV channel. I'd approached celebrity renovation teams. I'd written to the big house builders.
I didn't realise it at the time, but Melissa had been doing the same thing! She had been writing emails and sending letters. She was trying to find someone who could help renovate Dexter's home. She found no support, either.
We'd run out of options... and so... we turned to the local community.
When I threw the idea out on social media, it was met with immediate enthusiasm.
People were embracing the idea of building Dexter a home that suited his needs.
The idea of building a disability friendly home, with love and mate's rates was gaining momentum. Perhaps, it might happen.
Today is exactly one year since that post was shared and this crazy dream is about to become a reality. Actually, the reality has started to take place!
Wonderful Tradie Mates have already been at work on Dexter's house. We are renovating and extending his home! The demolition has started. Footings have been dug and concrete poured. Tradie Mates are ready and waiting.
The Doing it for Dexter house journey hasn't always been easy. On the most difficult days... when it seemed easier to give up, I was supported by the incredible Melissa. She was always there when I needed her. There is a chance I may have given up, if not for her. Some days, it was just too overwhelming. Thank you, Melissa.
If we didn't have the support, wisdom and generosity of Rob Starcic and Lorenzo Nizza, we would not be doing these renovations. They have been incredible.
And, if it were not for our incredible Tradie Mates... none of this would be happening. So many people have stepped up, offering time, labour and materials. Some are providing labour, expertise and materials at no cost. Others are doing the best they can with amazing mate's rates. Their support is overwhelming.
The tradespeople we have met are kind, generous, skilled people. They have huge hearts and we are proud to promote them. They are changing Dexter's family's life. They are doing more than they may ever understand, and we will never be able to thank them enough. This renovation will bring Dexter's family together. It will enable Dexter to have total access to the house... which he doesn't currently have. A huge financial burden is being removed.
Lenice and Andrew cannot afford the renovations. They had hoped to extend one room. They had planned on getting small lifts for the two areas with steps. They had hoped to one day widen the kitchen walkway (which doubled as a hallway), to allow Dexter to enter it in his wheelchair. Their 'one day' would have been years down the track. But, we're doing it now! None of this would be possible, except for the incredible support and generosity of our tradie mates.
Lenice and Andrew re-drew some money from their mortgage, which has become their budget. This amount of money would see them changing only a small section of their house. But now, with our Tradie Mates, the whole house is being done.
With our incredible Tradie Mates and their fantastic suppliers, we are going to be able to renovate and extend Dexter's home, to make it totally inclusive!
Thank you!
There have been many 'rock bottom' days with Dexter. Our hearts have broken with bad news again and again. His first four months in hospital drained us. Our hearts broke when we heard he had brain damage, and we hurt when he was officially diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy. Learning Dexter had a vision impairment broke our hearts again, and our dreams for Dexter's future were kicked to the ground, again. And, when he was diagnosed with cancer, it just seemed too much. It just wasn't fair!
But, we made it though all of this, because Dexter showed us the way. He is an incredible little boy, who has an inner strength and determination I constantly admire. He fills a room with love and is so gentle and patient. And cheeky.
Dexter has taught me to dream big. He has taught me to persevere and not give up. He has changed me.
And so, one year on, we are renovating his house.
People really are good!
Message us through the Doing it for Dexter facebook page
Click here to see who offered support in 2014
The Original Idea
Dexter's Fun Plans
Coastal Windows and Doors
Smith and Sons Shellharbour
Melissa
Dexter's 2013
Dexter's First Month
Dexter's Vision
Dexter's Cerebral Palsy
Dexter's Cancer
Who is Dexter?
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