South Fort Myers veteran, disabled daughter get home makeover

She’s a 75-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran, single mom and the sole caregiver to two of her six children.

And when her daughter Missy suffered a stroke that left her paralyzed on the left side of her body, Anne Poole’s life became even more challenging.

But her life — and her home — just changed for the better in the space of a week.

Thursday, she laid eyes for the first time on her newly remodeled Fort Myers Villas home with modifications that allow for Missy to get around in her wheelchair. The more than $50,000 in improvements were a gift from local builders.

“Oh my God, it can’t be the same house!” Anne Poole said as she walked in. “My legs are like rubber right now.”

Lee Building Industry Association Builders Care, a nonprofit that provides emergency construction services at no cost to families in need, teamed with Lennar Homes and more than a dozen companies to pull off the project in less than a week — just in time for the Pooles to enjoy it for the holidays.

The shower has been adjusted for Missy, doorways have been widened and a ramp has been installed at the front door.

The home’s kitchen, front door, insulation and landscaping have also been updated.