Pulte Homes has stepped in to build an addition to the home where Aimee Copeland will live after she completes rehabilitation to recover from the effects of a flesh-decaying infection that took most of her limbs.
The 1,956-square-foot addition to her parent's home in Snellville is expected to be completed within 40 days, the national homebuilder announced Tuesday. It will be ready for Copeland's return from six-to-eight weeks in rehab.
In early May, Copeland was clinging to life after a zip line accident as a necrotizing fasciitis infection invaded her body. Surgeons had to cut off her left leg at the hip; they amputated her right foot and both hands. Her story captured national attention, as her father Andy Copeland blogged about his daughter's ordeal and gallant fight. Two weeks ago, she left Doctor's Hospital in Augusta and headed to an undisclosed rehab center in Georgia, where she is learning to be independent.
The new addition is being built with Copeland's independence in mind. The two-story space features a new bedroom, fitness room for rehabilitation, a planning center -- an open room with accessibility and views to Copeland's main space, that will serve as her study -- and an elevator to access other parts of the home, such as the kitchen.
Pulte Homes, along with at least 30 trade partners have volunteered their time, expertise and materials to ensure that the home renovation is completed at no cost to the family, the national homebuilder said in a statement. Pulte officials estimate the value of the addition at about $150,000.
"Aimee's story and recovery has inspired many of us here at Pulte, and we were compelled to find a way to help," said Stephen Haines, vice president of sales for Pulte Homes in Georgia. "It is our honor to be a part of this generous community that has rallied together to help improve Aimee's quality of life..."
Dad Andy Copeland said he is amazed at Pulte's generosity. "It shows the big heart of this company to be willing to help us with so much." Copeland said he was looking at the project taking as long as three months before Pulte stepped in.
"Now she will be able to go immediately from rehab to her new wing" to continue her recovery. "We are truly blessed."
On Monday night, Snellville leaders presented Aimee Copeland's family with a check for $19,000, a donation meant to help Copeland in her recovery.
