MEXICO, NY – Karen Davies-Buckley has one word for the tremendous outpouring of support for her friends Jill and Mike Slocum and their family – “WOWZA!”
The Mexico residents’ son, Matt, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia last fall.
Matt was released from the Boston Children’s Hospital on March 28. He is recovering at the Ronald McDonald House in Boston from a bone marrow transplant; his brother was the donor.
The Slocums are in need of community support to help Matt return home.
“His immune system is that of a newborn’s,” his mother told Oswego County Today. “He is very susceptible, especially to anything airborne.”
“The Slocums’ home is in need of some remodeling to make it a safe environment for his return. 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,” according to Davies-Buckley.
These projects need to be completed before Matt is allowed to return home.
Due to Matt’s condition, no repairs can be made for at least a year after he returns home, his mother added.
“This afternoon (April 5), SERVPRO (mold abatement and professional cleaning company) is going out to the house to assess the mold situation,” Davies-Buckley said. “Hopefully we will hear something on the mold issue this afternoon.”
“We have a company on board to help with the mold abatement! They assessed yesterday (April 5) and said they will take care of this. One HUGE hurdle – check!” she said Wednesday morning.
She said her husband, Chuck, plans to start demolition this weekend – rip out the old stuff, so mold abatement can begin after that. Then, the plans for rebuild can begin.
Mike Slocum has set up an account for donations at Pathfinder Bank.
“I have a call in there for details about people sending donations directly to the bank (rather than through me). I will share that information as soon as I hear back on my questions,” Davies-Buckley said.
The bank account has been set up at Pathfinder in Mexico for “donations to the benefit of Matthew Slocum” – Checks must be made payable to Mike Slocum as he is the primary account holder.
She has been contacted by two local businesses, so far, with offers to help with some of the materials for the project.
“OD Greene (Adams, NY) – Missy Abbott/Jim Yard and New Haven Builders – Tim Searles have both offered assistance. Wonderful people! If you have a need for anything these businesses sell, I encourage you to shop there, and hope that you too will pass the word to your own friends and families. I am so grateful for the local business support,” she said. “My list of volunteers/contacts has grown to almost 50 people at this point! WOWZA!”
That is why it takes her a bit to get back to people now, she said, adding, “But, this is a good thing. I am so impressed with our wonderful community and all of Jill and Mike’s family and friends. Everyone is so thoughtful and generous.”
“People have just been amazing. The outpouring of support is overwhelming,” Jill said. “It is hard to find the words to express how grateful we are. We have been very blessed. We can’t wait to get home.”
To volunteer to help or for more information on this project, call Davies-Buckley at 315-963-7417.
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Great to hear so much support is coming in. I have offered my construction experience of over 30 years. I have had one person phone me to assist me in installing the shower your in need of, and anything else you need… I’m awaiting a reply as to what I can do for you. I am available to check out what you need, and stop to the residence to look things over tomorrow. Please feel free to call me or email me at your convinience.
(315) 2998-2840
Bergman Construction
G. Thomas Bergman