St. Johns, Mich. (WSYM) -- A St. John’s man is receiving a gift of a lifetime. His local community has come together to help out a neighbor in need. Bill McCann was diagnosed with ALS in February of 2017. Friends and family are now driving from across the state to remodel a home for McCann so that he can continue living at home.
His family says the rebuilding process hasn’t been easy. They realized they had to come to terms with ALS and that they do need to make readjustments to the home. Bill’s wife, Juanita, said they originally started the remodeling process because his doctor said he would need to install a new shower in order to remain living at home. This would make the bathroom more accessible for him.
Juanita McCann says, "We did this to keep him independent because otherwise you have to rely on putting him in to some kind of facility that would take care of him and I didn't want to do that."
Bill’s friends and family from around the state have also gathered to make this possible, some have traveled from as far as Detroit. They say they are excited to be part of this project. Lead contractor, Jeremy Kienitz, says that it is easy to write a check or donate money but getting involved and giving a helping hand takes it to the next level.
Kientix says, "Yah it means a lot to me to be a part of it, I've met great people because of it, a lot of great people. Not just the McCann family, but just a lot of good people I otherwise might not have met."
The McCann family said they are hopeful that this project will help others learn about ALS and how it affects the whole family. Bill told me why he feels this important.
McCann said "To help fight it so that others don't have to go through this."
The family hopes that others will follow suit and be inspired to help individuals in their own community. They also said they encourage others to become educated on ALS and how it affects a family. Bill said he is thankful for his friends, family and neighbors that have helped make this possible.
