Disabled Woman's Home Gets Makeover

LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich. - A disabled woman's struggle for independence brings volunteers together. It started as a minor improvement to her home, but it became much, much more.

Derinda Roberts was in for a surprise. She's been in a wheelchair since 1983 when she was shot in a carjacking. Her home care nurse had a wish list for Derinda's Lathrup Village home.

"Were able to basically makeover Derinda's home so she'd be able to live independently here," said nurse Stephanie Kearney.

Stephanie introduced others to Derinda's needs.

"I just said we're going to do something. So, we did," said Brandy Ochab. "I pulled the people, my friends and family, and it's just spiraled from me to probably 50 other people."

Derinda thought only her bathroom was being remodeled as volunteer individuals and companies made over her entire home to meet her needs.

"50 or so different people, a dozen companies, all just doing a little bit, but to make a really big difference. Her house wasn't usable before. It wasn't accessible. She couldn't reach her counters. Her refrigerator didn't work for her. I mean, there was a lot of basic (problems)," said Bob Verdun.

"So we were able to give her a workspace to put together her food and her meals and things like that. We made her shower accessible. She was never able to take a shower or bath in this home. So, we made it so she could roll her chair right into the shower," said Diana Moore.

Derinda was surprised and delighted.

"My heart is so overwhelmed by the love and compassion that people have poured upon my family at this time of the year," said Roberts.

This act of generosity underlines the needs of others.

"There are people with disabilities and great need and to just take the time to adopt a family out there," Roberts said.