One of the symptoms of this disease is a gradual weakening of the extremities, which makes walking increasingly difficult. It is typical for those who suffer from Friedreich's Ataxia to eventually require a wheelchair.

Kenny Bouchard has worked at Downeast Building Supply for 30 years. He's family. So when we learned that Kenny was considering modifications to his two-story home to allow for Noel and Allison to get around, we rallied the troops. We were met with an outpouring of compassion for the Bouchard family and pledges to help. The upshot: a new, wheelchair accessible ranch-style home for the Bouchards. Construction started in June 2006.

Bill Morrell coordinated the project and Wally Hovey was the lead contractor. Both Andrew and Roger Bouchard (Kenny's brother and cousin) were key players in the construction. The generosity of suppliers, contractors, Downeast employees and other friends was overwhelming and touching. On behalf of the Bouchard family, we wish to thank everyone who contributed.