In 2017, the Heckerts were feeling helpless as they embarked on a new home search for a builder to construct a modified home for their son. Jackson was diagnosed with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital at birth. This condition affects the muscles and joints of his body but doesn’t slow his adventure for life down. The family’s hope was to avoid modifying an existing home, as they had previously done in the past. An “accessible,” brand new home became the Heckert’s new goal and dream.

Mr. Heckert’s job transfer set the goal into motion. The move to Madisonville was based primarily on the excellent school district. The friendly neighborhood atmosphere and small town vibe didn’t hurt, either!  As such, the Heckerts decided to search for a Homebuilder that could build them their family’s fully accessible dream home. After visiting with many home-building companies and being told that the home modifications needed were “not offered,” or “not available,” the Heckerts had practically given up. Their last-ditch effort for the day landed them at Sunrise Homes’ Design Center and Model Home in Madisonville. Although Mrs. Heckert and her son, Jackson, feared rejection and opted to wait in the car, Mr. Heckert continued the family’s search and optimistically tried one more time to make their new home dreams a reality. Mr. Heckert explained their family’s goal to the new home specialist, Nikki Gabel.  Initially the company’s Build-on-Your Lot program seemed to be the perfect fit.  At Sunrise Homes, building on your property allows the Builder to offer more, “custom” or in this case, “modified,” options.  Our plan was put into motion and it began by with meeting the family! “Meeting Mrs. Heckert, Jackson and Beaux, will forever be one of my most treasured memories during my career at Sunrise,” laments Nikki.  Did we mention Beaux, the puppy in Jackson’s lap, was wearing an actual vest announcing his status as a “service dog in training,” he may have sealed the deal offering puppy kisses to Nikki!  Although modifications are typically reserved for the Build-on-Your-Lot Division of Sunrise Homes, sometimes things are just meant to be. 

The family seemed to belong in the side walk paved community bustling with young families and new friends eager to meet Jackson and Beaux. Our construction team and the Builder thought so, too!  The #HeckertHome dream would become reality! “Building a house from the ground up is a stressful process, but with Sunrise we always felt welcomed and encouraged to come see the progress which was very exciting for us,” stated Mrs. Heckert. One of our favorite modifications included lowering the kitchen island creating a work station for Jackson to eat with the family, complete homework and charge his beloved laptop and ipad!  Accessible thresholds, stained concrete flooring, lowered outlets and switches and entry/exit ramps help Jackson to enjoy the simple things. Sunrise Homes installed a zero-entry shower that allows Jackson the independence of bathing for the first time without help! According to Jackson, “My favorite thing about the house is the patio because I can get outside. This house lets me get around easily and be independent!”  Mrs. Heckert shared this beautiful moment with Nikki a few days after they moved in… “We are back at it this morning, unpacking and hanging. But I can’t stop thinking about how blessed we are. As I unload box after box, I look at all the material things we have and think about how blessed we are to have so much “stuff.” And this moment last night just melted me. Jackson saw the moon through our back windows and asked to go on the back porch to see them. How many times have I taken stepping out on my back porch for granted? He really has never been on the back porch and certainly has never initiated it! Last night, he did! We looked at that moon in awe and wonder like never before!”  Sunrise Homes is thankful for being able to work with this wonderful family, turning their house into their dream home. What are you thankful for this holiday season?