A helping hand for a healthy house

[Guest guest]

A helping hand for a healthy house

A dad returns here to raise money to build his kids an allergen-free home.

By WAVENEY ANN MOORE

Published July 25, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT

http://www.sptimes.com/2007/07/25/Neighborhoodtimes/A_helping_hand_for_a_.shtml

ST. PETERSBURG - One day he was an aspiring country singer, the next, he was

painting houses.

That's how Greg McDougal sums up his response to learning that his newborn son

had been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. The years to come would bring more

worrying news. Two more of his four children would be similarly diagnosed.

The chronic disease that clogs the lungs and causes life-threatening lung

infections would lead McDougal back to performing. A year and a half ago, the

singer-turned-carpenter decided to produce a CD to raise money to build his

children an allergen-free house.

Sunday, the former St. sburg resident and graduate of Pasco High School

will perform songs from his CD at two Tampa Bay area churches, where offerings

will be taken up to help with the house.

McDougal, 39, who lives in Tennessee with his wife, Diane, and their four

children, had been enjoying a promising career in the country music business

when, as he puts it, " life happened. "

" My eldest son, Jeff, was born, and had a hole in his intestinal tract, " he

said. " That's when a guy is hit with a lot of questions. "

His priorities changed. He had begun playing in nightclub bands right after high

school and opened for a variety of acts, including the Bellamy Brothers at the

Snake Rattle and Roll Concert in Pasco County. McDougal also was a roadie for

the country group Blackhawk and had one of his songs recorded by

Montgomery. He was pursuing a recording contract. With his son's illness, he

decided to stay close to home.

" One day I was in the music business and the next day I was on a construction

site, " he said.

He came up with the idea for the allergen-free house two years ago after doctors

discovered that Jeff's constant bouts of pneumonia were being triggered in part

by a mold called aspergillus. The question was, how to pay for it?

" I simply begged God for the answer. I prayed really hard. That's what you do

when the doctor says scary things about your child. God gave me the songs I

ended up recording, " said McDougal, who attends First Baptist Church of Mount

t, just outside Nashville.

Sunday, he'll perform songs from the CD, Work of a Carpenter - a collection of

what he calls " Christian country music. " The CD sells on his Web site,

www.ahouseformy kids.com, for $15.

In the year and a half since he produced the work, McDougal says he has made

about $10,000, after expenses such as production costs and clearing land donated

for the home.

He plans to apply for a construction loan and begin building in about 60 days.

The $150,000 house will have a French drain to keep water away from the

foundation, hardwood flooring and a special air filtration system.

" Having the property has really helped us be in a place where we can have a few

options and go forward, " McDougal said. " A year and a half ago, I had no

options. "

Cystic fibrosis has forced the family to make adjustments to their lives. " We

chose to homeschool. We don't go to restaurants where there is smoking. We don't

go anywhere where there is smoking. We're real careful about dust or smoke in

the air. We don't do carpet, " McDougal said.

After they raise the money they need to build their three-bedroom, two-bath

home, the McDougals hope to help others.

" We're planning on turning this whole thing into a nonprofit organization, "

McDougal said. " We hope to be visiting a lot of hospitals in the future and find

other families that are having a hard time. "

Waveney Ann can be reached at 727 892-2283 or moore@....

FAST FACTS:

IF YOU GO

Two concerts

" The Work of a Carpenter, " a concert by Greg McDougal,

- Sunday following the 11 a.m. service and dinner on the grounds of Calvary

Baptist Church, 14312 17th St., Dade City. Call (352) 521-0653. Love offering.

- Palm Lake Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at 5 p.m. Sunday at 5401 22nd

Ave. N, St. sburg. Cookies and punch reception. CDs for sale. (727)

321-8356. Love offering.

Tips for a healthy home

1Don't allow smoking in your home or around your children.

2Ventilate fresh air into your house regularly to help reduce indoor air

pollution.

3Keep your floors and carpets clean. If possible, minimize or eliminate

carpeting.

4Protect your loved ones and pets from lead.

5Keep your house clean and at the proper moisture level to help keep it free of

dust, mold, mildew and bacteria.

6 Do not use mothballs.

7Avoid using pesticides in your home or yard.

8Avoid toxic cleaners and solvents.

9If you live in an older home (pre-1970s), or if you already know you have

asbestos in your home, have it inspected by a professional asbestos manager.

10Test your home for radon.

---------------------------------

Moody friends. Drama queens. Your life? Nope! - their life, your story.

Play Sims Stories at Games.