JENNIE AND BRIAN EPP with their three sons – Christopher, 12, Brenden, 11 and Connor, 7. Jennie said the boys are excited about the upcoming remodel of their house and have already started "fighting" over who gets the big upstairs bedroom.
THE EPPS’ HOME will be remodeled in order to make it more handicap accessible, since Brian is now in a wheelchair. The existing living room will be transformed into the master bedroom and will expand to include a master bathroom. They will also expand the front of the house to make a new living room space.
It was June 2010 when Brian Epp was first diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Only a few years before his diagnosis, Brian’s wife, Jennie, was diagnosed with cancer.
Most people in this situation might wonder why they and their partner were both stricken with disease. Many people might become depressed or give up, but Jennie and Brian aren’t most people. Despite the fact that Brian is bound to a wheelchair most of the time now and has almost completely lost his ability to speak, and Jennie’s cancer still remains, the Epps continue to find peace in the belief that faith is their hope.
“My oncologist wants me to do a stem cell transplant and chemo, but I am trying to do some alternative methods before I do anything else,” Jennie said. “I just had a gut feeling that for me personally, this route is just better for me to try. It’s safer for my body and I’m just trying to eat as healthy as I can and get rid of some of that emotional stress. I figure it will only benefit me later if I do end up getting treatment.”
As Brian’s ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) has progressed, it has become increasingly difficult for him to get around the house, especially to get upstairs to the master bedroom and other areas. Due to the fact that both Brian and Jennie are on social security income, Jennie said they’ve never really had the funds to do anything to change their current living situation. However, the Epps’ house is about to change.
Recently, a friend of Brian’s, Curt Wharton, who owns Wharton Construction and Restoration, had the idea of a “Battle Ground Home Makeover.” Brian’s father, Landis Epp, who is a chaplain with County-wide Chaplaincy, said all the bedrooms and bath facilities are on the second floor. A few weeks ago, Landis said he spoke with a friend, Chuck Smithfield, and asked for his input. He said Smithfield and his partner took on the challenge and have drawn up plans that are currently in the process of being finalized.
Jennie and Brian said that they decided to go ahead with a remodel about four to five months ago, after it was determined they probably wouldn’t be able to move to a different house. She said the parts of the house that will be remodeled include transforming the existing living room into a master bedroom, and also expanding that area to include a master bathroom and a walk-in closet. She said they will also expand in the front of the house to make new living room space.
“We are very overwhelmed,” Jennie said about the community’s support. “Especially when we don’t have a penny to make it happen. It’s really a blessing to see how many people are willing to step forward and it’s an honor to know so many people care about us and are concerned for our safety and want to help make life a little easier.”
Landis said he’s not sure how much the total project will cost, but they have opened up an account for donations at Columbia Credit Union, any branch. Those wishing to donate can just ask to put money into the Battle Ground Home Makeover – for benefit of – Brian and Jennie Epp.
Landis said he thinks there is about $4,000 in the account currently. For the remodel project, Landis said they will need some doors, windows, handicap shower supplies, floor coverings, concrete for foundation, trusses, lumber and, of course, labor. He also said there will be doughnuts and coffee for volunteers.
The finalized plans for the remodel are in the works and Landis said they hope to get started as soon as possible. Jennie said she doesn’t think any work will be started until after Christmas.
Jennie and Brian also have three sons – Christopher, 12, Brenden, 11 and Connor, 7. She said the boys are excited about the upcoming remodel and are also excited that they get to stay at their house and near their friends.
“They’ve gone through a lot of stuff already, so it’s better that we are going to be staying in this house, they won’t have to adjust to any other changes,” Jennie said. “They’re already fighting over who gets the big master bedroom upstairs.”
Jennie said they are also putting together a blog online where people can go and find out the progress of the remodel and see photos. People can visit the blog at bghomemakeover.blogspot.com.
