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John Penna, 57, has suffered with colon cancer since the early 1990s. Most recently, John has developed a major bacterial infection caused by the extreme heat within his home. Despite his struggles, Penna maintained his construction business up until a few years ago. His health and mobility continued to worsen and the heat was contributing to his failing health.

The Penna family completed several repair jobs on the air conditioning unit over the past few years. However, two months ago when the unit went out again, the Penna family was in dire straits. With the recent loss of his job and rising medical bills, the Penna family could not afford the $2,000 in repairs needed to get the air conditioning going again. With John’s failing health, they could not afford to go without air conditioning either.

On July 9, volunteers sponsored by Builders Care, the charitable agency of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA), sent out a call for help to its BIA members. Almost immediately, a local community member stepped forward to offer a helping hand. Jim Glennon, president of Florida operations for Modern & Anderson Service for Home & Business, responded and in less than one week, the Penna residence had air conditioning. Modern & Anderson Service for Home & Business provided all of the labor and needed materials to make this happen.

“The residents of Southwest Florida have been very supportive of our company since 1965 so it’s the least we can do help give back,” said Jim Glennon of Modern & Anderson Service for Home & Business. “We are proud to be part of Lee County BIA and are grateful to be able to help whenever we can. Builders Cares helps us give back to our community, and we felt it was time to give back to them.”

“This is a great project for a man that served in the building industry for many years. It is great to see other companies looking out for others in our community,” said Heidi Taulman, executive director of Builders Care. “We are so thankful for the support of Modern & Anderson to be able to provide this service to a sick man in need.”

Builders Care is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association (BIA). Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builder’s Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Most recent top corporate sponsors include Armadillo Underground and Real Estate Investment Society. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 4210 Metro Parkway, Suite 100, Fort Myers FL 33916. Donations can be made online at http://www.leebuilderscare.org/, or to the Builders Care general fund at BB&T (formerly Colonial Bank) Page Field branch at 4959 South Cleveland Avenue in Fort Myers. More information is available by calling 239-938-0056.

Related posts:

1. Builders Care completes “extreme home makeover” for local family
2. Local builders give thanks to local war hero by providing free ramp
3. Local builders provide free ramp to Lehigh Acres couple in need
4. Local builders remodel bathroom for local woman with muscular dystrophy
5. Terry Wynter Auto Service Center hosts free car care seminars for women