ATLANTA — The family of a boy critically injured in a car accident is thanking local businesses for going above and beyond to help their son.
In 2013, Tyler Harmon nearly lost his life when his mom’s car hydroplaned off the road. His dad, Todd Harmon, says Tyler died three times at the scene. He wasn’t expected to make it through the night.
Now, Tyler is 12 years old. His life hasn’t been the same since the crash. He relies on a wheelchair to get around and is undergoing physical therapy to retrain his muscles.
His dad takes care of him, but Tyler is still growing, making daily tasks – like taking a shower – a little harder every day.
“We usually give him a bath in the garage. We laid a tarp on the floor and put his shower chair on top,” said Harmon. “It’s about to start getting cold, so we needed to come up with something different.”
It was clear the family needed to build a handicap-accessible bedroom and bathroom in their home.
Harmon posted on the family's Facebook page asking for help from contractors and volunteers to gather the materials and labor needed to build Tyler an accessible bathroom and expand his bedroom.
In no time, Kristi and Greg Broadhead of DNM Contracting in Dacula reached out, eager to help the family in need.
“I have two small children. My son is 14 – close to Tyler’s age. As soon as I saw the post, I called my husband and told him we have to help,” said Kristi Broadhead. “It broke my heart.”
The couple sought out help from other contractors and suppliers in the area who didn’t hesitate to donate supplies.
“When they heard Tyler’s story, they couldn’t wait to help,” said Broadhead. “It’s hard to get companies to give a discount, much less get them to donate, no questions asked.”
Local companies that donated to the project include Fergusons, which donated plumbing fixtures, Rinnai and the Tile House, which donated a tankless water heater, Dural, which donated a water barrier system, Lummus, which donated lumber, and Bill Kent of Tile Works.
The Broadheads have already started to help with the project. Harmon says even though Tyler is in a wheelchair, he tries to help whenever he can.
“We were putting in some French doors, and he did not leave. He just wanted to watch and help,” said Harmon.
Harmon says his son could not be more grateful for the help.
“In his prayers every single night, he thanks God for all the people who reach out and help him,” said Harmon.
Years ago, before his son was ever involved in a car crash, Todd Harmon donated his own business to help another family in need: The Halsteads.
Tripp Halstead, 2 years old at the time, suffered a head injury after a tree limb fell on him at daycare.
Harmon owned a landscaping business. Instead of charging people for his work, he worked for free and asked for donations for Tripp.
Now, the dad who so freely donated his time and business is receiving that same generosity.
“We’re blown away every day by the support that we get from everyone,” said Harmon. “It’s good to see there’s still good in the world.”
If you would like to help, Todd Harmon is asking people to donate through The Home Depot. Gift cards can be purchased by clicking here. The email address to send a gift card is: BethlehemAngels@gmail.com