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Bonita Springs family receives free home renovations for the holidays

Heartwarming reveal of home transformation for Bonita Springs family
Posted at 9:02 AM, Dec 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-21 09:43:19-05

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. — A Bonita Springs woman with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis received a life-changing gift for Christmas.

In less than two weeks, Lee BIA Builders Care and Lennar Homes renovated and refurnished the home of Miriam Garces, all at no cost.

"As soon as we started working through the home, we started seeing things about the Garces family. We could tell just by family pictures and by pieces of paper they had on the wall with a prayer that that this was a very loving family," said Ray Kershaw with Lennar Homes.

The partners on the project revealed the total transformation to the Garces family on Friday.

After being diagnosed with ALS last year, the progressive nervous system disease started making daily maneuvers, like taking a shower, seem impossible.

Some of the new features renovated in her home are cabinets, flooring, furniture, appliances, and a walk-in shower with a bench.

"Anyone that knows people with ALS knows that it's hard to put a person in the tub to take a shower. It was just hard watching my wife suffer to jump that little hump," said Carlos Garces, husband.

A concrete ramp was also added at the front door to allow Mariam easier access into her house.

“Miriam and her family have gone through so much over the past year, so we are pleased that they can spend the holidays in a home that is more comfortable and accessible,” said Crystal Stouten, executive director of Lee BIA Builders Care. “We are so grateful to Lennar for leading this special project and for all our project partners who contributed their time, materials and financial support to provide such an incredible gift for this sweet family.”