Home in the works for family in need
With help and financial support from the community, the progress on James and Bryan Hodge’s house is underway.
Four years ago, James Hodge’s son, 16-year-old Bryan, came to live him in Superior.
It was determined that Bryan had cognitive and development delays, but James embraced his son, took his developmental struggles in stride and began planning to build a life with his son. That life he planned to build with his son soon became more complicated than he could have imagined.
Two years ago, Bryan began suffering seizures and, since then, the two have been traveling down a long road. Since the start of the seizures, Bryan’s health has declined progressively. His ability to speak and walk diminished greatly. This past June, Bryan began having repeated seizures. While in the hospital, Bryan got a feeding tube that he is completely dependent upon. He is no longer able to communicate slowly with words, rather communicates at a low level using eye contact and gestures.
Throughout the time he was dealing with Bryan’s condition, James was also struggling to build them a house where they could live.
After recognizing that he didn’t have the means necessary to finish the house on his own, James reached out to the community and, in August, the community responded.
The ‘Bounce for Bryan’ fundraiser, which was held at the Mineral County Fair, raised $1,100, according to event organizer Rachel Konen. She said the money helped to purchase several remaining supplies that were on the list needed to complete the house.
“It’s coming along slow, but progress is being made steadily,” said Suzanne Sterrett, program coordinator for CDC, who is working with James.
More recently, the roof has been prepped in order so the metal roofing can be placed and James almost has the front deck finished. The overhang is completed. Sterrett said they are able to fund things and provide items that are more of special needs and so they will be working to help with the bathroom as well as installing a ramp. With the new tub, the plumbing will be able to be completed.
“We’re hoping to have those materials to James this week,” Sterrett said.
Melissa Zielinske, family support specialist for CDC said that they tried to hold a work day a few weeks ago, but no one showed up to help. Another work day is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 25. Anyone interested should call James for directions at 382-0288.
“He’ll need at least four people to help get the roof on,” Zielinske said.
The group has been working with the Mineral County We Care Foundation and has some people interested in coming out to help.
Carla Youngkin, from the foundation, also said they are planning a benefit on Oct. 16 to benefit James and Bryan. The event will be a fall festival and more details will be available as the activities are planned. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Youngkin said that they are currently looking for vendors who are interested in attending the festival. They can give Mary Yarnall a call at 822-4366.
The proceeds, once expenses are taken out, will benefit James and Bryan.
Zielinske said that Bryan started school and that things are going well. She said the immediate goal is to finish the house and get it closed up before winter.