Shadi Tahrawi SHOW TIMES:
WRC-NBC4 (Washington DC) Saturday 3/15 @ 10:00am
WTVR-CBS6 (Richmond) Sunday 3/16 @ 11:35pm
WVIR-NBC29 (Charlottesville) Sunday 3/16 @ 12pm
WVEC-ABC13 (Norfolk) Sunday 3/9 @ 9am
If you drive from the suburbs of D.C. and down through Northern Virginia, you’d hardly see any signs of the financial crisis that swept through the country. From the Mc Mansions of Fairfax and Arlington to the sprawling estates of Clifton; Northern Virginia has some of the wealthiest communities in the country. While there are many within those communities who are struggling, you could never tell from a glance. There is one place, however, that stands out among the upper class communities; Triangle. Over the last several years, Triangle, Virginia has become a virtual ghost town. Boarded up businesses and foreclosed homes fill the landscape of an area that was once a thriving part of Northern Virginia.
Just off the freeway in a dilapidated home lives a single mother named Mary and her son, Elias. Mary had to give up working to care for Elias who suffers from Spina bifida. Requiring, 24 hour care, Elias is confined to a wheel chair and unable to speak. That leaves his mother responsible for literally every single daily activity; from taking showers to brushing his teeth. Because of her inability to work, Mary could not afford the much needed repairs to her home. The list of repairs was a long one; a new roof, HVAC system and the most daunting of them all, repairs to the foundation. She had reached out to many different organizations for help but the scope and size of the job was always more than they could handle.
One Saturday morning, Mary had a rare opportunity to relax and watch TV. She caught an episode of Helping Hands and decided to send a letter requesting assistance. “When I saw the Helping Hands, I was amazed by the things Michael & Son was doing in the community” said Mary. “I just had this feeling that this was the answer” continued Mary. She was right, just days after her letter was sent the repairs on her home were underway. With the help of other local businesses, the family received all the repairs to their home at no cost.
- Basim spending time with Elias, one of the recipients of the Michael & Son Cares Program
If you or someone you know is currently facing a hardship and is unable to afford home repairs, please contact the Michael & Son Cares Team. Michael & Son Services established their “Cares” charitable campaign in 2010 providing essential home services to local families in need. To date, the program has assisted over 20 families in the area. They are also proud sponsors and supporters of Dreams for kids, Saltwater Soldiers and Susan G. Komen. Michael & Son Services has been serving the greater DC metropolitan area for over 30 years with electrical, plumbing, heating, A/C, construction and handyman services. Our motto has always been, “If you can’t, we can!” Check us out at www.michaelandson.com.
- Saying goodbye
- Basim posing for a picture with homeowner Mary Lloyd
Just saw your infomercial with the mom and son who has epilepsy. As the mother of a disabled son, that was an extremely wonderful thing that you did for this mom. One thing that troubled me, though. You showed several times the mom carrying the boy out of the house. Why didn’t you call one of your carpentry company friends and have a wheelchair ramp built for her? She’s one back injury away from her son never going to get out of that house! Just a thought. I hope another company or handiman sees your generosity and offers to donate a ramp for her.
It is so heartwarming to witness the kind generous actions of your company and the other businesses that helped Mary Lloyd. I was very concerned though, to see Mary carrying Elias down the stairs out of her house and was wondering if there was an organization that would be able to build a ramp so they would no longer need to be in that dangerous situation. I also hope Mary has contacted the PWC Community Services Board for assistance they may be eligible to receive.
Thank you so much for your good deeds. Best wishes for much happiness and good health to you and your families.