Family 'overwhelmed' by generosity

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Family 'overwhelmed' by generosity

By GAIL KOCH

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Muncie Star Press - Muncie,IN

http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

AID=/20070107/NEWS01/701070362/1002

MUNCIE -- Members of the Hamaker family say they are " overwhelmed "

by the response they've received to a recent Star Press article that

detailed their need for help ridding their family's home of mold.

Toxic mold in the home, located on South Luick Street, had been

responsible for a crippling asthma attack that left Tom and Dawn

Hamaker's daughter, e, 12, near death on Dec. 5.

On Saturday, the Hamakers held a " Clean Air for e " fund-raising

event at downtown's Center Stage. All proceeds from the benefit,

which included live music, games, karaoke and a cake walk, were to

go to the e Hamaker Fund, an account her parents established to

help pay for the $10,000 to $15,000 in renovations needed to remodel

their home.

" Since the article came out, we've had so many people come forward,

some wanting to help, others wanting to tell us about their own mold

problems, " Dawn Hamaker said. " I feel like, more than anything,

there is a greater awareness now in the community about what an

issue mold contamination can be. "

As of Saturday, Cher Fisher, Tom's sister, estimates the family had

received between $4,000 to $5,000 in monetary donations for the

fund. One local family donated insulation for the remodeling project

and others have given gift cards to local hardware chains.

The Hamakers also had several Muncie and Indianapolis businesses

offer services to treat their home for the mold. The family accepted

the offer of local Midwest Organic Products, 720 N. Broadway, which

specializes in sales of all natural products to treat resident,

commercial and industrial problems.

Dawn said the company's treatment " helped ease my mind. " Tom and a

group of friends have been handling much of the labor on the home,

and he estimates the family, which includes daughters Chelsey, 16,

and Darian, 8, should be able to move back within another month or

two.

Fisher said she's found herself crying numerous times at the

generosity of the community. " It's just wonderful, " she said, tears

filling in her eyes.

Fisher said the family is now looking for ways to give back,

including the possible creation of a watchdog group that would be

dedicated to increasing awareness about and treatment of mold

contamination.

Contact news reporter Gail Koch at 213-5827.

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