Kent family 'overwhelmed' by generosity of community

KENT, Ohio - Jeff Kurtz knows, unless there are unforeseen and miraculous medical breakthroughs, nothing will cure his son’s spina bifida nor his wife’s rapidly progressing multiple sclerosis.

But there is a cure for feeling like he and his family are suffering alone.

Since September 2010, when I first shared the story of Jeff and Candy Kurtz, they have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have stepped forward to help them through their challenges.

The first time I reported on them, winter was coming and they were badly in need of a wheelchair ramp so seven-year-old Jeffrey would not have to fall forward out of his wheelchair and drag himself up the steps. His mom was already using a walker at the time and knew she was on the verge of needing a wheelchair.

Several companies came forward wanting to help and within a few weeks, the ramp was built. Since that time, work has begun on a whole new totally wheelchair accessible addition to the house.

It’s hard for Candy to talk about the generosity of complete strangers without tearing up.

“I don’t even know where to begin thanking them, it’s very emotional,” she told me as we sat just feet away from the construction, and the prospect for a better life.

When I met Jeff and Candy, I sensed a powerful feeling of desperation, of loss of control, but not of hopelessness. Candy said she would rely on her faith to get her through.  She would not be disappointed.

Emails started pouring in with offers to help the family. Jeff has done a great deal of the labor himself, counting on strangers, friends, and co-workers to keep the momentum going, but without the donated supplies, none of it would be possible.

No one I received emails from who offered to help even hinted at wanting to be recognized for their contributions. It’s important to Jeff and Candy, however, that they recognize the businesses that were so generous, especially at a time when the economy is so challenging.

Some of you asked specifically not to be recognized. You know who you are. Jeff and Candy thank you.

They have also provided a list of other businesses and organizations which have helped them. I hope anyone reading this story will keep these businesses in mind the next time they want to hire someone.

Here is the list the Kurtz family has provided me. Please contact me directly if they (I) have inadvertently left you off.

Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse
1210 State Route 303
Streetsboro, OH 44241
Tim Mercer: 330-626-2980

The Henry Bierce Co.
50 Southeast Ave
Tallmadge, OH 44278
Phone: (330) 633-3282

Kent State University Carpenter’s Shop

G&M Construction
11704 Market Ave N. Suite A
Uniontown, OH 44685
Office: (330) 877-1832

Klein’s Landscaping Inc
2955 Nimishillen Church Street N.E.
Hartville, OH 44632
Office: (330) 877-0458

Harner Plumbing Inc
2480 Bartlett Rd
Mantua, OH 44255
Phone: (330) 626-5551

All Pro Seamless Gutters & Roofing
Edinburg, OH

Maplewood Career Center – Masonry
7075 State Route 88
Ravenna, OH 44266
Office: (330) 296-2892

AM Lawn Service LLC.
Ravenna, OH 44266

Welcome Change Design
P.O. Box 614
Kent, OH 44240
Office: (330) 931-7853

ABC Supply
1320 Starlight Drive
Akron, Oh 44306
Office: (330) 785-7000

Chris Mamich
Northcoast Renovation Services, LLC
1440 Rockside Rd Suite 322-c, Parma OH 44134
(216) 254-6671 Phone
(209) 254-6675 Fax

Secure Bath & Accessible Home Solutions
fax 440 717 9756

Progressive Insurance
Glenda Napier
1-800-999-2624 network 34361
1-440-603-4361

City of Kent Police Department

Full Gospel House of Prayer in Streetsboro