By:Jason Scheer
Then everything changed.
On March 8, their daughter, Tara, was involved in a tragic car accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down and her four young children without a mother to care for them.
Barry and Elizabeth came to the immediate aide of their daughter and grandchildren. They took in Jesse, 14, Michael, 13, Samantha, 11 and Laura, 10, all of whom attend Oceanside schools.
Elizabeth says taking care of four young children is like dj vu. I-ve been there, done that and I-m doing it all over again, she said.
In order to make ends meet Elisabeth found a position with the Association for the Help of Retarded Children, a non-profit organization she had been involved with for many years.
The Kistner-s are doing their best to make ends meet. However, as Tara progresses with her out-patient therapy, they need help accommodating her in-home care.
Their Baldwin home, which Elizabeth grew up in, is by no means handicapped accessible. It would take a miracle to transform the house into a place where Tara could function properly and comfortably.
They found that miracle in Bill Murphy.
Murphy, owner of Murphy Construction in Freeport, has agreed to undertake the large-scale renovation project that will allow Tara to see her kids and to stay at home. And the best part, it-s absolutely free to the Kistner-s.
It-s wonderful, Elizabeth Kistner said. It-s a godsend because we would never be able to afford to make the accommodations for a handicap person when she comes home.
Eight years ago, Murphy began doing construction projects for families affected by tragedies like the Kistners. Along with his crew of about 40 volunteers, he has gained a reputation for helping those in need.
It-s gotten to the point where people come to us, which is great, he said. We have fun doing it and it-s around Christmas [and we feel] it-s a good thing to give back and do something for other people.
In addition to undertaking the construction project, which will include a handicap accessible bathroom on the first floor of the Kistner homeh, Murphy has organized a fundraising event to benefit the Kistner family.
On Sunday, Dec. 12 Murphy Construction will be hosting an event at the MacArthur Park Restaurant on Park Avenue in Rockville Centre. The restaurant is co-hosting the event and all proceeds will go directly to the Kistner Family Fund to benefit Tara.
A $10 donation, payable at the door, will include a lunch buffet at 4 p.m. A DJ, dancing, raffles and prizes will round out the afternoon-s event.
For those who cannot attend but wish to contribute, donations should be made payable to The Kistner Family Fund and sent to Bill Murphy, 92 Hampton Place, Freeport, NY 11520.
As with the fundraiser, 100 percent of all donations will be put forth to bring Tara home.
She-ll be able to come home and be part of the family again, Elizabeth Kistner said, tears in her eyes. The children really need her, and we do too.
