Community continues to comfort McPhee family

Neighbors, friends and community members have been gathering at the McPhee House in Parma to send a clear message - we are still here for you.

Richard and Jill McPhee have been coping with the worst reality as parents having lost their 11-year-old son, Ryan, to a battle with leukemia. To show support for Richard and Jill and the rest of the McPhee family, this group as been working on a "Miracle Makeover" in the McPhee's backyard, constructing a more than 500 square foot deck.

The goal is to give the family a lasting sign of community support and to create a place that they can enjoy for many years to come. After two weekends worth of work, there is still a small portion of the deck that needs to be installed, railings need to be put up and landscaping still needs to be done.

The group reached out to the local community for assistance and has been humbled by the response. Local supplier 84 Lumber came through with generous support, as did Mosher Builders and Buttonwood Nursery. Caraglio's Pizza on Main Street also contributed.

Local professional contractor Pat Smith has volunteered his time to direct the crew. The group's funds are diminished with work still remaining. Anyone interested in contributing may go to the Hilton M&T Bank to make a contribution to the Ryan McPhee memorial fund.

Ryan was a fifth grader at Quest Elementary School in Hilton, He was a member of the Hilton Heat U11 Boys Soccer team. He enjoyed playing soccer and was a big hockey and baseball fan. The Hilton community rallied lots of support for this courageous young man during his six-and-a-half-year battle with leukemia. Ryan died on June 29, 2006.

October 22, 2006