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Davis Journal

A helping neighborhood

Sep 02, 2021 10:28AM ● By Cali Garrity

Before and after when construction crews helped remodel the Christensen home thanks to donations and efforts of the Charity Anywhere Foundation. Courtesy photos

BOUNTIFUL—Larry and Janae Christensen have four sons: Rylik, Ethan, Trinton and Preston. Three of their sons were born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy which over time limits their mobility. They had moved into their one-story house about 11 years ago and quickly found it challenging for their sons to move around the house. The doorways and bathrooms were not wheelchair accessible and the rooms were too small. 

When the Christensens first moved in they only had two sons with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and one son without. After their fourth son was born, and learning he also had Muscular Dystrophy, they knew it would be difficult as the years went on and mobility would be limited. They knew they needed a wheelchair accessible house more than ever. 

The Christensens eventually decided that they needed to either move to a new house or remodel their current house. 

“Moving was a difficult option as we live so close to family and close neighbors,” Larry said. They ultimately decided they would remodel their house and were in for a surprise at how much help they’d soon be given.  

Neighbors wanted to help by setting up a fund with Charity Anywhere Foundation, a local non-profit managed by Gordon Carter. 

“Within only a few days of setting up the fund, a check came in for $60,000,” Carter said. 

“It was amazing to see how willing this neighborhood was to help out.

Various businesses came forward to donate labor and material. Many gave discounts or great deals on all the construction that started getting underway. Larry knew a lot about designing layouts of homes and was able to play a big part in designing the new layout of his home. 

Most of the walls were taken out to make room for a big open space in the front room. Doors were widened and a second story was added to the house. While construction was underway, the Christensen family lived in a trailer and with relatives. 

The whole process was more than worth it as now they can enjoy their home and the location of being so close to wonderful family members and neighbors.

“As finished as our house looks there are still things we’re continuing to work on,” Larry said. “It’s a slow remodel.”  

He said they are grateful for everybody that donated their time, materials and money. The amount of help they received surpassed anything they had expected.