Home remodeling project benefits local boy, family

Home remodeling project benefits local boy, family

This summer A Neu Design Interiors, Inc. will take the challenge of adding an addition onto the house for a local family in need called "Dream Makeover for Dominic."

"We are donating our time and services to help create a substantial addition to their existing home. This space will be instrumental in Dominic's development and comfort of living as he grows," Kim Neu wrote in a press release.

Dominic has a rare illness called Prader-Willi Syndrome. It affects one in 15,000-20,000 children and is life threatening if not monitored closely. He has very low muscle tone and gains weight rapidly if not restricted to 800 calories and daily exercise. With that, he uses many different pieces of adaptive equipment including ankle braces, a walker, manual and electric wheelchairs, a roll in shower chair, a hoyer lift, C-Pac machine and hand weights.

"On October 3, 2006 the Parma family grew larger when Dominic's sister Georgina arrived. Her car seats, strollers, toys, have added to the space issues. The family has not been able to eat in their dining room, for that has become a storage area for equipment," Neu wrote.

The family's house is a two-story farm house with two bedrooms on the second floor. Seven-year-old Dominic, at 110 pounds, is unable to get to his room. The family has been sleeping on an air mattress in the living room over the past eight months because removing him from the second floor, in the event of an emergency, would be difficult.

To help Dominic become more independent, maintain muscle mass, and control his weight, Neu Design proposes an addition for a first floor bedroom and a great room where Dominic can use his needed equipment. "He would have access to the bathroom and his bedroom once again, things most of us take for granted," she wrote.

Neu Design is looking for help with this project through goods or services. "We all have seen the shows on television of makeovers and how life-altering it can be for families. We hope you will take part in our mission to change Dominic's house into a home, where he and his family can have a safe and happy environment to live," she wrote.

The expected cost of the Dream Makeover for Dominic is $30,000. For information go to www.aneudesign.com or call 392-2875.