KBPI's 'Hammers And Angels' Project Improves Life For Thornton Teen, Family
THORNTON, Colo. (CBS4) - Life is indeed not simple.
And that's why hundreds of volunteers lent their talents, time and tools recently to make life easier for 15-year-old Alex Hagans and her family.
More than 50 contractors and vendors, alongside hundreds of KBPI listeners, helped remodel Hagans' home over five days to make it more accommodating for her wheelchair. A new ramp, porch and floors, and better access for Alex from her bedroom to her bathroom were added.
"I am overwhelmed at the amount of people that have come out to make her life simple," Alex's mother, Donna Larsen, said.
Then she corrected herself: "I wouldn't say simple. Easier. Because life isn't simple."
It hasn't been for the Thornton teen. She's suffered from cerebral palsy since she was 4 months old, a victim of shaken baby syndrome.
But a community's help has dramatically changed life for Alex's family.
The project is called "Hammers and Angels," a KBPI effort to assist a Denver-area family. It's the second year the radio station has supported a charity remodel.
The station asked its listeners to weigh in with stories of families in need. About 1,000 people responded.
Willie B, a DJ at the station, explained why they picked the Thornton family.
"This family really to me defines what a family is," he said. "They literally changed the way that they run their lives and the functionality of their home to accommodate a 15-year-old in a wheelchair."
Now, in addition to the accessibility improvements, the family's home has a new roof, kitchen and bathrooms. The family received about $60,000 in renovations. Their mortgage was also refinanced, saving them hundreds a month.
"Happy," Alex said when seeing the reveal. "I'm so happy."
Brett Mickelson of CQL 2000 Constructors said the reward is seeing the smiles on their faces.
"It makes you feel good to know you made a difference in someone's life," he said. "They can now, especially Alex, can be independent."