The Kodelja family has seen what the true meaning of giving is after a group of contractors have come together to provide an accessible renovation to their house to make life easier for their daughter Veronica who is in a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy.
Veronica is non-verbal, but the smile on her face says it all. She is so excited about all the construction that is taking place at her home.
“We have been trying to modify our home to accommodate Veronica’s accessibility needs,” said her other Diane Kodelja. “We’ve lived her since 2018. Covid and other setbacks jeot throwing us off.”
That is, until 2024, when they were finally able to have a small front bedroom flipped into an accessible bathroom. There was just so much involved that they were not able to get it finished, so the old bathroom was still there in an awkward space with the new room. Diane’s husband Don Kodelja works hard at his job and when he gets home it’s another full-time job working with Diane to help their growing family including grandchildren and caregive to Veronica.
Both of them consider everything they do a labor of love, but recently they have been amazed at all the work the contractors have done for them.
“At first we just wanted to demo the ‘old’ bathroom and hall linen closet, as well as knocking out a wall to expand Veronica’s bedroom,” Diane said.This would require a new door frame and include the old bathroom space.
“After almost two years and three strikes and having various problems with contractors, I reached out to “Major League Demo” on a whim to see if the project was in their wheelhouse or if they could recommend a reliable contractor,” she said.
Much to her surprise and extreme happiness, they not only took on the project, but they offered to do it at no cost to the family as a community outreach project.
“Every single one of the companies involved refused Major League Demo ‘s offer to barter labor for their help,” said Diane Kodelja. “They are all donating their time, skills, and materials for modifying Veronica’s space for her specific needs. And they are doing it all in a 2 week window.
“It has been an amazing whirlwind of activity and I can’t believe this is happening.”
Diane says the family is so overwhelmed with all of the love being shown to them.
“Everyone is SO KIND HEARTED,” she said. ” I just want to give these companies a shout out in gratitude, and in hopes that someone might see it who is int he market for a service and they will give them their business.They are all local family owned small businesses. Owners and here are what they are responsible for on the job:
(Joey DiFranco & Whitney Rickard…responsible for putting the whole project together, and prep, demo, framing, drywall, taping, door & trim install, and moving V back.into her room when finished)
*RS Johnson Plumbing (314) 220-1827
(Ryan Johnson…plumbing cap)
(Brian Sharp…electrical modifications)
(Brad Evans…hardwood repair install, floor finishing)
(RJ Dunn…paint)
(Josh Kuehnemann…closet organizer system & cabinetry install)
(Bill Elder…wall decal)
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