Stories From Main Street: Beloved NJ Teacher With ALS Gets Home Makeover
OAKLAND, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- There were cheers and tears during an emotional unveiling of a renovated house for a beloved New Jersey math teacher who has ALS.
After revealing her diagnosis, the Montvale community came together to raise money for 41-year-old Donna Myhre, who teaches at Fieldstone Middle School. Later, two fellow teachers sought out George Oliphant, host of the home improvement series "George to the Rescue."
"They told me about Donna Myhre and how wonderful a person she is and how she's been stricken with ALS and she could use a helping hand," he said. "People have been stopping by every day without fail just saying how wonderful this family is and how wonderful a human being Donna is."
George and his crew renovated the kitchen and bathroom, making enough space for a motorized wheelchair in Myhre's ranch in Oakland.
"Now it's open, I can roll the wheelchair right in, I did a couple of 360s," Myhre said.
They also installed smart technology throughout the home and even made a pink princess palace bedroom for Myhre's 3-year-old daughter.
Her husband, Mike, said they're overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support.
"Donna said once that people are usually recognized for all the things they do after they're gone and they're not around to hear all the kind words and she's been just overwhelmed by the support," he said.
"I just want to be able to reciprocate, I'm physically incapable right now but I hope that I can through words or other actions," Myhre said. "Thank you, those two little words they mean so much, but just not enough. I'm at a loss to relay my true scale of gratitude, it's still very surreal right now."
