“What a Difference a Day Makes”

Greater Cleveland Chapter received 2014 NARI Achievement Chapter Community Service Award

This award is presented to a chapter for work done as a community project to enhance the community and increases the awareness of NARI in the community, both locally and nationally.

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Brian Malion (center) with NARI volunteers who helped remodel his bathroom into a more safe and accessible space.

Brian Malion, a Cleveland resident, had been extremely active working as a chef and a corporate travel consultant. He also enjoyed traveling and a variety of hobbies.

While participating in a fencing class, he fell and hit his head. That led to some tests, an MRI and to his diagnosis of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) in October 2011. Brian’s mobility deteriorated rapidly, and within a year, he went from using a cane to a scooter to a power wheelchair.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Ohio Buckeye chapter reached out to NARI of Greater Cleveland’s Community Outreach Committee, asking them to completely remodel Brian’s bathroom.

Brian’s remodel included installing an accessible sink, high-rise toilet, roll-in shower, grab bars, new 59523_476740105695493_2103030816_nflooring, new lighting, new cabinets, and new countertops along with a wider doorway for entry into the bathroom. The renovation allows Brian greater safety and independence to remain in his home.

The project was part of the Multiple Sclerosis’ What a Difference a Day Makes” program, a day in which volunteers help people with MS with a variety of chores, painting and yard work. Members of NARI’s Community Outreach volunteered their evenings and weekends during the winter holiday season to complete this month-long project.DSCN0031Member companies who participated were truly amazing how everyone came together to help Brian was amazed by how NARI member companies came together to help, saying, “I am so grateful for all the people who came to do this—it has made an amazing difference in my life. These modifications will make my life so much happier and so much safer. I have absolute gratitude.”

NARI of Greater Cleveland believes creating a better world begins at the local level. In an effort to make a difference in its local community, NARI Cares was established to assist those in need in Greater Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods. Its volunteer members have logged hundreds of hours helping low-income, elderly and/or those physically disabled with repairs, as well as partnered with other community groups to assist them with larger-scale remodeling projects.-Susan Swartz

| 9/16/2014 12:00:00 AM | 3 comments
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