Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
OREM -- As their home came down, things finally started to look up for the Kuester family, of Orem.
"Hopefully all the bad memories from last year are gone and we can start making some new ones," said Rick Kuester.
In October of 2009, the family's 9-year-old daughter, Samantha, died from complications of the H1N1 virus. Just two months later, an overloaded circuit sparked a house fire that destroyed nearly everything they owned.
But Monday morning, the family received help -- and hope -- thanks to the non-profit foundation Heart 2 Home. The Kuesters had been chosen for a complete home makeover for their Orem house.
Heart 2 Home has raised over $2.5 Million for Utah families since it was established in 2004.
The Heart 2 Home organization builds and remodels homes for families who have come on hard times. Local companies donate all of the materials and labor.
"Nobody takes a paycheck, the contractors and builders included," explained Heart 2 Home President Greg Adamson. "It's something people just do to get involved in the community and help out where they can."
Monday's tear-down was an exciting day for the Kuesters, but also an emotional one.
"It's the only house Samantha knew," mother Jennifer Kuester said. "But it's a good step, a good step for our future."
The volunteers have big plans for the space and hope to provide more than just physical shelter.
"We want to provide a place the family can gather and not worry about fixing anything up," Adamson said. "A house where they can get together and move forward from the death of their daughter."
Volunteers are working on an extremely tight timetable for the home makeover. The big reveal is just 10 days away.
Heart 2 Home is still in need of donations and help. CLICK HERE for more information.
E-mail: bwalker@ksl.com
