Crew of 25 remodels Ceres home for former longtime co-worker with Lou Gehrig’s disease

Ceres resident Pete Elliott admires the Christmas tree decorated for him as part of a home makeover by employees from VIP Management on Tuesday December 10, 2013. Elliott who worked at VIP for 25 years was diagnosed with ALS two years ago and is unstable on his feet and must use a walker and wheelchair so his former co-workers came to his home to build wheelchair ramps, modify his bathroom, remodel his kitchen, deep clean the interior and decorate for the holidays. ANDYALFAROaalfaro@modbee.com|BuyPhoto

CERES The day began with the whirring of power tools. Drills, saws, nail guns tools of the trade for Pete Elliott through 25 years of building maintenance, and music to his ears this day.

Elliott, 52, was the go-to guy to get things fixed at VIP Management apartment complexes, an eager participant in the companys home makeovers for the less fortunate. Tuesday, however, the building crew came to his house. About 25 former co-workers pitched in to get the Elliott home ready for a power wheelchair, a symbol of the changes in his life since being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrigs disease.

I used to be the one helping others, Elliott said, his speech slowed and slurred by the disease. Trouble talking was his first symptom about two years ago. His hands were next. One day I was able to hold my drill, and the next day I couldnt. It happened real fast, he said. Its a real ugly disease.

Since then, he has lost much of the use of his arms, and his balance is shaky. Over the past few weeks, hes fallen frequently, even with his walker, and its become clear he needs a wheelchair, said wife Veronica Elliott.

Its a sad reality to see that has to be done, because then you realize the disease has progressed. Were at this next stage, she said.

But a wheelchair brings mobility only across the flat and open. Pete Elliotts childhood home, bought from his parents 15 years ago, had steps leading outside and a sunken living room. Bathrooms and doors were too small for a four-wheeling traveler.

These ramps to me are freedom. You get isolated in the house and these ramps will let me get outside, Elliott said.

The VIP crew, labor donated for the day by the company and materials supplied by an anonymous benefactor, built ramps to the front yard and backyard and a small slope into the living room. Granite countertops and a new sink grace the kitchen. Motion-activated faucets are on order for his bathroom, which now stands open to his bedroom for easy access. Raleys, where Veronica Elliott works, sent doughnuts, coffee and lunch.

Project manager Brian Stacey said planning this remodel took a little extra time. We wanted to make this one count, he said.

Original post:
Crew of 25 remodels Ceres home for former longtime co-worker with Lou Gehrig’s disease