Friends, area businesses step up to help out Janesville family in need
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A crew of carpenters from Naatz Construction work diligently Monday, building a ramp into the home of Brian and Sarah Worthing on Janesville’s east side. The couple has recently been clobbered with financial and medical problems which made the ramp an unlikely necessity. But an outpouring of help from the community has resulted in many repairs and improvements to the Worthing home.
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Brian Worthing
JANESVILLE — It's hard to know where to start the story of Brian and Sarah Worthing.
On Monday, Naatz Construction, Home Depot, Janesville Insulation, Jacobson Concrete and friends from Faith Community Church came together to build a ramp for Sarah Worthing.
That's the cheerful part of the story.
But to understand what that ramp means, you have to go back a couple of years.
Brian, 36, has been in the Army National Guard for more than 19 years. Since 2001, he's been more or less full-time, serving as a heavy equipment operator. He spent a year in Iraq.
More recently, a back injury forced him into office work, and he's been working on the most recent mobilization effort.
On April 1, he lost his full-time job with the National Guard.
"My orders ended; normally they would just renew those orders," Worthing explained. "But with budget cuts, it didn't happen."
Fortunately, he can still buy affordable health insurance through the military.
He needs it.
His wife, Sarah, has been ill, and he's been trekking between their Janesville home at 4234 Southwyck Drive and University Hospital, Madison.
"She has an autoimmune disease that kind of resembles Guillain-Barré, but it isn't that," Worthing said.
"It meets most of the criteria for Lupus, but it isn't that.
"It's not about 100 different things."
Guillain-Barré is an autoimmune disease that can cause paralysis.
Whatever the cause, Sarah, 29, is now paralyzed from her ribcage down.
That's why they need the ramp.
But we've skipped part of the story.
The Worthings have four children: Emily, 12; Jared, 9; Isaac, 22 months and James, 10 months. The last two children were born prematurely. Little James spent about 90 days in the hospital before coming home.
So not only do the Worthings need the ramp, they also need help with cooking, cleaning and the kids.
"I'm a pretty good dad, but I'm not a very good mom," Worthing said.
Then their church family stepped in, surprising Brian with generosity and kindness.
"It's nice if people help you," Worthing said. "But I didn't realize they'd go that far out of their way to help."
It feels a little odd—he's never taken charity.
Most surprising was the help he got from Connie Wilson of Janesville Insulation.
"She got everybody in line to put this ramp together," Worthing said. "And I don't even know her; it's really been overwhelming."
Connie and Bobby Wilson of Janesville Insulation upgraded the attic insulation.
Mark and Mike Jacobson of Jacobson Concrete fixed the driveway to create a smooth path for the ramp.
Tom Naatz and a crew from Naatz Construction built the ramp.
Home Depot in Rockford, Ill., and Janesville donated the building materials.
Joe Panico designed the ramp.
Dozens of others helped in other ways.
Worthing said he still wakes up wondering how he'll get through the day—and then he does.
"I guess I'll get through it with a little help and the grace of God," Worthing said.
May 8, 2009 at 3:17 p.m.
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Sarah, That's what it's all about. If we can't come together as a community and help out the people in our communities when they're in need, we're just taking up space. I belong to Central Christian Church in Beloit and we too are all about serving the community. I've heard so many great stories regarding Faith Community from friends of mine as well. I'm proud of everyone for setting the example and doing what's right. We have way too much wrong that's occupying the media these days! God bless all of you! Godspeed Sarah!
May 8, 2009 at 12:06 p.m.
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I am Sarah Worthing - and the point of this story was to give great appreciation to our church family, kind businesses, and amazing people who have reached out to help us. We did not ask for this story to be done. We did not ask for these businesses to help us, they did it after hearing from others about our circumstance, and doing it out of the kindness of their hearts. And the amazing people who have reached out also did so on their own terms, not because we asked them to.
And to the dude from janesville who doesn't believe the military can just "cut" a job - you do not know what you are talking about. There are budget cuts that eliminate positions in the military, I would know, my husbands job was eliminated!
Thank you for all the kind words, thoughts, and prayers. We appreciate your prayers more than words can say. One of our Pastors at Faith Community (Pastor Jerry Dean) has a few favorite sayings, but one of my favorites is a quote from 1Thes 5:18 that says:
"Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"
This was a very sudden illness for me, it is called Transverse Myelitis, I was walking one day and three days later I was completely paralyzed, and before the day was up I was on life support at UW Hospital in Madison. I was very scared, frustrated, and sad. But I did not once ask why me. Instead I found solace in the scripture above. I began finding things to be thankful for and before I knew my whole attitude was changing. I was thankful two days later that I was not on life support anymore. I was thankful that my husband was able to care for our children. I was thankful for our family, our church family, our friends, and complete strangers who offered more help than my husband knew what to do with. I was thankful for so many things, big or small, that I just couldn't be in a bad mood. People around me could not understand how I could be so positive in my situation, and all I could say was that it was not me, it was God.
There is a lot more to our story that there is not time for but you get the idea. Thank you all so much - and Praise God for our answered prayers and the prayers that we know will be answered in the future. I accept God's Will for my life and I will praise Him all my days!
if I mistyped or had any bad grammar, please forgive me as I am on a lot of medication at this time. A great friend of mine (Kimberly I love you like no other friend before) has taken over the incredible job of home schooling for me (even as she home schools her own children) until I am again able. I just wanted to put that out there so there was no question.
May 7, 2009 at 3:42 p.m.
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That's just satan working on you. He's done a great job up to this point. The rash will go away.
May 7, 2009 at 2:38 p.m.
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You guys just can't let it go, can you!
At least don't pray for me: it just shows up as a rash.
May 7, 2009 at 2:06 p.m.
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God bless you gazettefan!
May 7, 2009 at 1:48 p.m.
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Gazettefan~~and we are in agreement. Let the angels sing....................
May 7, 2009 at 1:47 p.m.
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The good people as rendered in the story are certainly not the kind of people I would complain about regardless of their beliefs.
May 7, 2009 at 1:19 p.m.
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"again"...agreed. We have enough people focused on what people of faith are doing wrong these days. Of course, those who are quick to see who "dropped the ball" are usually the one's who are fumlbing it, but, that's for another day.
May 7, 2009 at 10:44 a.m.
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Yes, indeed, it's wonderful to see those who live their faith instead of just talking about it!! May God Bless Them!!!
May 7, 2009 at 10:06 a.m.
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Yes, indeed, MooShoo, people.
May 7, 2009 at 9:16 a.m.
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Amen MooShoo!
May 6, 2009 at 9:03 p.m.
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Nice to see people working together to help someone in need during these tough times.
May 6, 2009 at 6:10 p.m.
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It seems a lot of posters are missing the whole point of this story. It is a hats off to many different folks in Janesville that by word of mouth all helped out someone they did not even know. I have been told numerous times how cold and impersonal Janesville is, this was a refreshing and touching tribute to many kind folks. The Worthings did not request the help nor did they request the story.
May 6, 2009 at 5:13 p.m.
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dudefromjsvl,
You sir, obviously know NOTHING about the US military!
LOL!!
And you should be ashamed for bashing people who are going through a really bad time, as well as all the great people and businesses who gave time and money just to help out someone. If you want to read something bad to post about, go read about the economy or wasted bailout funds and post there.
GOD bless thier family and the kind local people who went out of thier way to make a difference.. :-)
May 6, 2009 at 5:02 p.m.
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nukka, do I mean what?
May 6, 2009 at 4:48 p.m.
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oops~~DIDN'T see it as negative
May 6, 2009 at 4:43 p.m.
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I read biggirl's comment and see it as negative at all. Maybe I'm wrong~~all I see is her asking if there is help out there for others as well, like in a tax deduction. KUDOS to all those who helped here and every where they can. That isn't the case for everyone and hopefully they can find help somewhere!!
May 6, 2009 at 3:18 p.m.
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if people seek recognition for their charitable work, then maybe if you give anybody recognition at all, it should be to the folks that did the kind deed and so humbly(?) seek said recognition. joseph may have been a carpenter, but his SON did not do the hammering and nailing.
May 6, 2009 at 12:39 p.m.
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Prounion and Gazettefan don't surprise this atheist one bit. Though never being one for organized charity events, I enjoy helping friends and neighbors one on one. Kudos to the volunteers and best of luck to the Worthing family!
May 6, 2009 at 12:30 p.m.
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Nice to see a large church in our community showing they care by touching one life at a time. Hats off to the congregation of Faith Community Church and the wonderful businesses helping this dear family.
May 6, 2009 at 12:14 p.m.
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nukka_70: What part of gazettefan's post are you referring to? I read it three times and find nothing confusing in his post.
May 6, 2009 at 11:32 a.m.
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Yes, the military cuts jobs too. It's called a RIF--Reduction in Forces. Civilians don't hear about it that offen, but it does happen. My husband was RIFFED, so I know what I'm talking about.
May 6, 2009 at 11:03 a.m.
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BikerJoe: You should have stopped typing at "Amazing Story.. Praise the Lord".
May 6, 2009 at 11:02 a.m.
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gazettefan.....do you really mean that? or is it a mistype?
May 6, 2009 at 9:32 a.m.
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God Bless You Worthings!! What a great effort on the part of the people, the church, businesses, and God!! Thank you to all!! Its nice to know there are still good people out there. You will see a reward one day! great church family!!!
May 6, 2009 at 8:58 a.m.
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I do charitable work too; and I prefer that none of the credit goes to god and Jesus.
To everyone who's contributing to the Worthings: Nice Going!
And to the Worthings: Good Luck!
May 6, 2009 at 7:57 a.m.
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Bikerjoe wrote: "Christian Bashing followers": Actually I think this type of work is great, I enjoy leading these types of efforts in my spare time as well. No christian bashing for this athiest, we are all in this together and when someone needs help we should step forward and help our fellow man, or family in this case. Congrats to all that helped these folks and best wishes to the family.
May 6, 2009 at 7:18 a.m.
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Hi Brian, it's Adam. I did not even know you were married, muchless all these troubles you now have. Get ahold of me on Facebook and we can catch up.
May 6, 2009 at 6:05 a.m.
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Amazing Story.. Praise the Lord..
Should we now start the countdown untill Gazettefan and his Christian Bashing followers show up to try and throw dirt on it?
May 6, 2009 at 3:54 a.m.
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It was a little more then budgets cuts, they dont just cut military jobs. Something suspicious. But thanks for serving. and great job for the helpers.
May 5, 2009 at 9:03 p.m.
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biggirl, home renovations that support a medical need, such as a wheelchair ramp, are deductible on Schedule A (at least the portion that exceeds 7.5% of your AGI). Here's a list of eligible items:
http://taxguide.completetax.com/text/Q08...
.
There are sources of grant money for such things as well.
http://www.wheelchairramp.org/rampman/fu...
May 5, 2009 at 9:02 p.m.
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biggirl: WTH!!! Sarah's paralysis was SUDDEN. Like from the point of walking one day, being weak the next, to totally paralyzed and on a ventilator the 3rd day. I can only hope to be HALF the woman Sarah is. Seriously. She homeschools her children among other many GREAT things. If it weren't for this ramp (and other modifications) and these WONDERFUL people and businesses, she would not be able to come home. She does not work outside of the home and Brian, if you read the article, was recently laid off from our MILITARY. If they don't fit the poster child bill for those worthy of help, then by golly, I don't know who would!
While I agree that there needs to be more help readily available to ALL families who need it, don't you dare take away a single ounce of happiness and gratitude from Sarah and Brian with your "woo's me" crap. It is noble you cheer for the underdog all the time, but it is to the point of being sickening.
WELCOME HOME SARAH!! Nothing like sleeping in your own home :)
May 5, 2009 at 8:38 p.m.
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I do feel terrific that people are doing this for this couple, but how many others can't afford to outfit their house when they become disabled? Are there tax deductions at least for people who need to renovate their house when they become disabled?
May 5, 2009 at 8:24 p.m.
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What the article doesn't state is that this paralysis was fairly sudden. Within the last 6 weeks or so (I believe). (And, Refrigerator Perry is not doing well in a South Carolina hospital from GBS....very scary stuff!).
May 5, 2009 at 8:19 p.m.
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I know Sarah. She will find a silver lining in this cloud. Bless you and your family, Sarah! And...HAPPY HOMECOMING!! Way to compromise :)
May 5, 2009 at 8:12 p.m.
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This is a wonderful story! Thank you for sharing!
May 5, 2009 at 6:55 p.m.
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I heard this quote just last night, "Volunteers built the Ark...Paid professionals built the Titantic". God Bless this family and everyone who shared their time and resources.
May 5, 2009 at 4:36 p.m.
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Beautiful! Thanks to all who helped this family. You should feel proud of yourselves.
May 5, 2009 at 4:12 p.m.
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This is another reason to be a part of a good church. They are there to support you in times of need. Sorry to hear that this is happening. Good to hear there is goodness in the midst of pain.
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