Home Makeover comes to Ambrose
Michelle Chalkey
Issue date: 4/9/09 Section: News
"It was such a personal thing to put into words," DeLost said, tears filling her eyes. "The hardest thing was trying to be professional. I could have cried every day because I was so happy."
Jake was supposed to be with DeLost for the presentation.
Unfortunately, he was in the hospital recovering from surgery. DeLost explained that he had his bones rodded, which was a seven to eight hour surgery. He was still in the hospital for pain control. His aunt and uncle, however, were able to come and speak about Jake and his wonderful, giving parents.
"Jake has the ability to go anywhere now," Jake's uncle Bill Grys said. "My brother Steve doesn't believe Jake is handicapped. He says he can do anything, and that's why he and Jeannie are so good at what they do."
Along with the episode viewing and DeLost's speech, there was a table of pictures from the build and fliers for Easter Seals. Among the pictures was also a scrapbook a friend of DeLost's had put together for her. The scrapbook contained pictures and memorabilia from the entire experience; letters which DeLost had written to ABC and pictures of the building process were all included. Fascinated reactions on students' faces as they turned the pages showed how much they liked the scrapbook and the details of DeLost's experience.
DeLost gave more background about her contributions to the house. ABC asked for her help on modifying things for Jake. As an OT, she played a big role in modifying a toilet, sink, shower, bed and even a swimming pool for Jake. DeLost said she started sending in Jake's story to ABC about three years ago, and never heard anything back for almost two years. She never gave up on him and the Grys family, and now Jake will be able to live longer with more independence.
DeLost is a role model not only to OT students, but to everyone because of her dedication to give a family the home they deserve.
Jake was supposed to be with DeLost for the presentation.
Unfortunately, he was in the hospital recovering from surgery. DeLost explained that he had his bones rodded, which was a seven to eight hour surgery. He was still in the hospital for pain control. His aunt and uncle, however, were able to come and speak about Jake and his wonderful, giving parents.
"Jake has the ability to go anywhere now," Jake's uncle Bill Grys said. "My brother Steve doesn't believe Jake is handicapped. He says he can do anything, and that's why he and Jeannie are so good at what they do."
Along with the episode viewing and DeLost's speech, there was a table of pictures from the build and fliers for Easter Seals. Among the pictures was also a scrapbook a friend of DeLost's had put together for her. The scrapbook contained pictures and memorabilia from the entire experience; letters which DeLost had written to ABC and pictures of the building process were all included. Fascinated reactions on students' faces as they turned the pages showed how much they liked the scrapbook and the details of DeLost's experience.
DeLost gave more background about her contributions to the house. ABC asked for her help on modifying things for Jake. As an OT, she played a big role in modifying a toilet, sink, shower, bed and even a swimming pool for Jake. DeLost said she started sending in Jake's story to ABC about three years ago, and never heard anything back for almost two years. She never gave up on him and the Grys family, and now Jake will be able to live longer with more independence.
DeLost is a role model not only to OT students, but to everyone because of her dedication to give a family the home they deserve.
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