2005Index

Improved Yard Helps Mother Recapture a Sense of Pride

Violet Suchan takes pride in her yard and always has. But the weeding, mulching and other landscaping needs have become a strain on the 78-year-old Hodgkins resident, who became very ill with respiratory problems last year and continues to grow short of breath and suffer from back pain.

So, when Suchan’s daughter, Dawn Kroma, read about the Wishmakers program in Angie’s List Chicago, she wasted little time before secretly nominating her mother. “I wanted to surprise her,” Kroma says. “She never wants to ask too much of anyone. She hates the idea of putting anyone out.”

Three companies and Angie's List Come Together to Help a Family

Until his recent trip to Walt Disney World, Stanley Briggs, 49, didn't know what he was missing. Instead of the Magic Kingdom or MGM Studios, he discovered the most impressive attraction was his handicap-friendly resort room.

Two years ago, just a few days before his 20th wedding anniversary, Briggs suffered a massive stroke, paralyzing the right side of his body. Although he lost most of his speech and can no longer work, he gets by with the help of his wife, Patricia, and daughter, Kelley, 19.

Kindness Provides Lasting Impact for Family

The Harper family of Tonka Bay knows too well a car accident can have a lasting impact long after the collision occurs. Last February, George Harper, his oldest daughter, Liz, brother-in-law John Jacobson, and Liz's best friend Becka Brown were all involved in a devastating car crash. While all the passengers were hurt, Liz's injuries were critical.

Massive internal injuries compounded by a fractured back made immediate surgery impossible. By the time doctors could operate, they found Liz's back had healed improperly and had to be refractured and have bone fragments removed. "I felt like I was in an electric chair," says Liz of her excruciating ordeal.