Landscapers Brings New Life to Deserving Family’s Backyard
Before the birth of their third child, Kevin and Krissy Ringo bought a home in Parkville, Mo., to accommodate their growing family’s needs. The home’s backyard, however, had a steep incline that limited the area where the children could play. Kevin began building retaining walls to maximize the space, but between rainy days and 24-hour shifts at the fire station where he works as a paramedic, the project progressed slowly.
When the Ringos’ baby, Matthew, arrived last December with severe heart defects that limit his breathing and oxygen supply, Kevin put the project aside to take care of his family. In the last six months, Matthew has had two open-heart surgeries and will require another within a few years. That’s why Kevin’s father, Gary Ringo, stepped in and decided to nominate the family for Wishmakers.
“Kevin is a hard worker,” Gary says. “He needed some help to finish this project because it had been going on for so long and because of all of the problems they’ve had with Matthew.”
When Gabe Olsen, owner of Olsen’s Outdoor Care, heard about the Ringo’s request, he quickly offered his help. An anonymous donor paid to rent a Bob Cat from Platte Rental and Supplies, and Olsen brought shovels, a chainsaw and several of his employees to get the job done. Olsen and his team worked with the Ringos to level out the dirt on both platforms of the wall and to clear away debris behind the fence. The total value of the work completed by Olsen and his crew was $1,000.
“What I really liked is that Kevin was doing a lot of the work himself and was taking ownership, and we were just helping him with the next phase,” Olsen says. “We were volunteering time that would be put to very good use. The Ringos are very nice people who do a great job balancing work, family and this huge stress of their son’s medical condition.”
Kevin says he appreciated the help Olsen provided to finish the backyard to make it safe for his kids to play. “I was kind of surprised that someone would take the time to help us out,” Kevin says. “It gives me a greater appreciation for people who are in the same type of situation we’re in and for companies who offer to take time out of their day to help.”