Volunteers, construction crew remodeling home of paralyzed gymnast

While the community rallies for paralyzed gymnast Jacoby Miles, a construction company is busy remodeling her Puyallup home.

Miles was left paralyzed from the chest down after she landed on her neck following a dismount from the uneven bars on Nov. 17. Doctors say she may never walk again.

The Tacoma News Tribune reports Jacob Poisson, a firefighter and construction company owner, is acting as a project foreman on the project. His team and volunteers plan to remodel the downstairs, add 1,300 square feet, and give Miles her own master suite.

The goal is to have the project completed by Dec. 23 so that she can be home with her family for Christmas.

The Tribune says other plans include expanding the laundry room and garage so that a special van can be parked inside. A second master bedroom will be located across the hall from Miles so that her parents can be close by. Doorways will also have to be widened and ramps will have to be installed to accommodate her wheelchair.

Poisson and his team also want to install special appliances and a sink while opening up the kitchen because Miles loves to bake.

The project is reportedly valued at $75,000. Companies have donated building materials, volunteers are swinging hammers and hanging plywood, and neighbors are making food for the workers donating their time.

According to the Tribune, LookLarson.com donated a new van to the family. Kersey Mobility and Vantage Mobility made sure it was properly outfitted with a lift for Miles’ wheelchair.

On Dec. 17, a special auction benefiting Miles and her family will feature Olympic athletes at the Temple Theatre in Tacoma. Donated funds will help pay for her medical and rehabilitation bills. 710 ESPN Seattle’s Brock Huard will emcee the event and KIRO Radio host John Curley will be the auctioneer.

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