MEXICO, NY – Mexico residents Jill and Michael Slocum are in need of community support to help their son, Matt, return home.
According to family friend Karen Davies-Buckley, Matt was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
He is currently recovering from a bone marrow transplant; his brother was the donor.
He was released from the Children’s Hospital in Boston on Monday.
Matt has been working very hard on his recovery and will soon be with his mother at the Ronald McDonald House in Boston, Davies-Buckley told Oswego County Today on Friday.
“Hopefully, Matt will soon be able to return home. However, before he can, the Slocums’ home is in need of some remodeling to make it a safe environment for his return,” she said.
The upstairs bathroom is need of repair; including installation of a new bathtub and shower surround, and the living room ceiling also needs some work.
Both of these projects need to be completed before Matt is allowed to return home, as due to Matt’s condition, no repairs can be made for at least a year after he returns home, she explained.
Matt’s mom left her job to be by his side.
“The family has gone from two incomes to one, which makes it very challenging for them to make the necessary repairs to their home,” Davies-Buckley said.
She is reaching out to community members who would like to volunteer their time and talents to help Matt return home.
“I am in need of caring men and women who have the carpentry / plumbing skills needed to help Jill and Michael Slocum prepare their home so that their son can safely return home,” she said.
She’s reaching out to Oswego County building materials suppliers and home stores who would like to give back to the community they serve by donating the necessary materials and supplies to get the job done and make Matt’s return home possible.
“A safe and healthy living environment is something that many of us take for granted. However, for Matt Slocum and his parents, it’s a luxury that is currently out their reach,” she said. “I invite anyone who has the time or resources to assist the Slocums to contact me. Your help would be appreciated more than you could ever know.”
To volunteer to help, or for more information on this project, call Davies-Buckley at 315-963-7417.
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Hello… I am a general contractor and have been since 1986. I would be happy to help in any way I can. I have some pull with the local lumber yards, and may be able to get the materials needed for what you need done, and install these things myself with assistance with labor. No money required, I’ll do it free. Please send me a detailed list of what you need done, what you already have, and what’s needed. I’m not working right now due to an automobile accident, but I can get around and do a little work with someone to do the heavy physical work. I’d enjoy helping. No one helps me and my mother who were in the accident and I know what it’s like to need help and not get any. You may call me to talk about your needs. (315) 298-2840, I live in Altmar, NY. The best way beside the phone is email me at the [email protected] . Let me know if you still need help.
Gary Bergman