THE region’s tradies, suppliers and even high school students have begun volunteering to assist with the renovations to young Dexter Heffernan’s Kiama Downs home.
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The renovations are designed to assist the youngster’s home to become more accessible for him and his wheelchair.
Dexter was born premature and suffered periventricular leukomalacia, a form of brain damage, and as a result lives with cerebral palsy and impaired vision.
At 13 months he was also diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy and surgery after lesions were discovered in his liver and lungs.
The four-year-old’s health is now stable but he has reduced mobility.
Dexter’s parents, Lenice and Andrew recently celebrated a year of no emergency hospital visits for their son.
‘‘He’s doing really well, he’s healthy, cheeky, and is going to preschool two days a week,’’ Mrs Heffernan said.
The work planned for the family’s home includes renovating the bathroom and kitchen, installing bigger light switches and widening doorways.
Realising the scope of work needed, Mrs Heffernan’s sister, Carol Laverty, and supporter Melissa Tierney launched the Doing it for Dexter Facebook page.
The pair had hoped to find tradespeople and businesses willing to help out with ‘‘mate’s rates and love’’.
They were inundated with offers of assistance from the building industry.
The project recently kicked off, and is expected to take eight to 12 weeks to complete.
One of the men driving the project, Coastal Windows and Doors’ Rob Starcic, met Dexter through his involvement with the Convoy for Kids in 2014.
Smith and Sons Shellharbour, a renovations and extensions business, is owned and run by Lorenzo Nizza.
They began work at the site earlier this month, helping co-ordinate the job, and undertaking the carpentry while working with other sub-contractors.
A group of Illawarra Sports High, Berkeley year 11 students also assisted with the work for a week as part of their studies, to gain experience in the building industry.
‘‘I think they realise how lucky they’ve got it,’’ Mr Nizza said of the students’ participation.
‘‘When you see where Dexter is and the family are, and how hard times are for those people, they realise they’ve got it pretty good.
‘‘I met up with the family before I started work and took (away) a passion for Dexter and the family.
‘‘I realised how difficult it is for them.
‘‘The family can’t come to terms with so many people helping out, and I said if people didn’t want to be here, they wouldn’t be here.’’
Warilla High students will also be assisting as part of their school-based apprenticeship.
Mrs Heffernan said they had been overwhelmed by the ‘‘absolutely amazing’’ support.
She said ultimately they would like to raise the lower part of the house and get rid of the steps to make the entire home accessible to Dexter.
Any other tradies who would like to assist can call 0415424063.
