FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chesapeake, Va. – Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 17, the Roc Solid Foundation and its community partners will complete more than $30,000 in home renovations for a family of wheelchair-bound three-year-old battling cancer. The project will also include a new in-ground pool and a handicap-accessible Roc Solid Play It Forward playset.
The family will be visiting Williamsburg during the renovation and will return home (3732 Ludgate Drive, Chesapeake, Va. 23321) on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 1 p.m. to see the renovations for the first time.
Aubree Evans was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a cancerous tumor, when she was 15 months old. The Evans family was stationed in Germany at the time – father Ryan is a Master at Arms in the U.S. Navy – and they were quickly transported back to Portsmouth for care at the Naval Medical Center. After months of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, doctors realized that Aubree’s tumor had crushed her spinal chord, leaving her paralyzed. Soon after, Aubree’s brother Halen (age 5) was diagnosed with autism, and both children attend the developmental preschool program at Western Branch Primary School in Chesapeake.
“Meeting this family really had an impact on me,” says Roc Solid Foundation Chief Play Officer Eric Newman. “Our goal is to build hope for kids with cancer and their families, and in this case, they needed much more than a playset. I am so proud of our community partners for coming together to make this happen, and I can’t wait to surprise the Evans family on Saturday.”
Sasser Construction is volunteering skills and materials to build exterior and interior wheelchair ramps, remodel the kitchen, paint the living areas and install new laminate flooring throughout. Sasser’s contributions alone are estimated between $30,000 and $35,000.
“We are honored to step in and help this family,” says Kenn Sedlacko from Sasser Construction. “They planned to renovate this home when they moved in, but caring for their children took priority. I’m so happy we can make this house a home they can enjoy and that will be more functional for Aubree and her wheelchair.”
Backyard Haven, a nonprofit that builds pools for children and families in need, will be constructing a 16’ x 32’ pool valued at $27,000. The Churchland Rotary Club is sponsoring the Play It Forward playset build, which will feature a rubberized base and wheelchair-accessible activities. USA Discounters is providing furniture for the family room, living room and master bedroom, and Amy Stanley with Style By Design is donating interior design services.
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About Roc Solid Foundation
Roc Solid Foundation was founded in 2009 by pediatric cancer survivor, Eric Newman. With the goal to build hope for children battling cancer and their families, the organization provides support and encouragement from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. Its flagship program, Play It Forward, allows children to temporarily escape the burdens of childhood cancer by providing them with opportunities to play. Roc Solid has completed close to 100 Play It Forward projects throughout the Southeastern United States, including custom playset builds, room remodels, cancer free parties and more. To learn more, visit www.rocsolidfoundation.org.
Media Spokespeople:
– Eric Newman, Roc Solid Foundation
– Kenn Sedlacko, Sasser Construction
– Jessica Coyner, Backyard Haven
– Len Santivasci, USA Discounters
– Jeff Vierrether, Churchland Rotary Club
– Amy Stanley, Style By Design
