2 Heart 2 Home projects have a special connection

SOUTH JORDAN — Two families along the Wasatch Front are receiving help from the Heart 2 Home Foundation, a group that makes houses accessible for residents with disabilities. There's a remarkable connection between the two homes.

Corey and Leisha Roberts have three children, two boys and a girl. The two boys use wheelchairs, as does Katie Terry, a single mother whose house in American Fork is also a Heart 2 Home project. But while she waits for improvements to her place, you might be surprised what's she's doing.

Heart 2 Home, a Utah Foundation, puts community and corporate volunteers and donations to work for home make overs.

"Whether it's the contractors or the people who get involved and tear shrubs out, or whatever, everybody's helpful," explained Greg Adamson, president of Heart 2 Home Foundation.

"I just like helping people and I like painting and I like moving sod and anything else so, there's a variety," Heart 2 Home volunteer Sharon Kern said.

"This is a great opportunity just to give back to the community," Brian Draney, another Heart 2 Home volunteer, said. "There's always people in need."

Terry has been volunteering with Heart 2 Home Foundation for a year. Disabled in a car accident 9 years ago and raising two children with disabilities, she still leads a very active life. The former college soccer and basketball player now plays wheelchair basketball, has learned to water ski, rock climb, golf and handcycle. But this week she's helping to make improvements to the Roberts home.

Drew and Noah Roberts have Duchenne muscular dystrophy — an inherited disorder that involves rapidly worsening muscle weakness that affects only males, though females can be carriers. It occurs in approximately 1 out of every 3,600 male infants.

Heart 2 Home is installing a track system in the home to help get the boys from their bed to the bathroom. The system will allow mobility and give the parents' back a break from lifting.

"We come in and we try to make their homes beautiful and function for people who either have wheelchair needs or other needs that their home is keeping them from enjoying it fully," Adamson explained.

The boys have always hoped for their own accessible clubhouse. Terry understands. She says the improvements are going to completely change their lives and their daily routines.