13-year-old Franek, Mam Tayna, and Dad Val, twin brother Antoni and older brother Tom
A CLARECASTLE family will feature on RTÉ this weekend as their house undergoes a renovation to assist a thirteen year old boy awaiting spinal surgery for scoliosis.
Baz Ashmawy and his team of volunteers will improve the quality of life of the Barczak family as they appear on DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland to transform their home in Garden View.
Thirteen year old Franek is severely disabled and relies entirely on his family for his care. He has cerebral palsy, severe scoliosis, is visually impaired and unable to walk. Franek lives with his parents, Tanya and Val, his twin brother Antoni and older brother Tom.
Franek requires assistance for all transfers and ideally would have a hoist, but the family house is not equipped for this. Currently Val carries him upstairs to access his bedroom and the only bathroom. As Franek grows older this is becoming increasingly difficult.
Tanya had surgery last year to remove a brain tumour and is now unable to assist with lifting Franek due to her own health.
At present, Franek is awaiting urgent spinal surgery for his scoliosis. His surgery has been delayed because he will need to be hoisted after the procedure, and currently the home is not adapted for this. The family desperately needs a downstairs bedroom and an accessible bathroom for Franek’s life post-surgery. As Franek’s scoliosis worsens his need for an adapted home becomes ever more urgent.
Airing this Sunday (October 19th) at 18:30 on RTÉ One, the episode documents the home renovation which all happened through the goodwill of local people to complete the job within nine days.
In every episode an army of volunteer builders, labourers, trades, suppliers, friends and neighbours come together – giving their time, labour and materials free gratis – to help a family in real need.
