Local family gets new furnace in "Operation Holiday Giveback"
SOUTH ELGIN, Dec. 24, 2014 - "Operation Holiday Giveback" strikes again as JNJ Heating and Air Conditioning's team donated their time and a brand new furnace to a family in need.
On Dec. 22, 2014, owner Jason Johnson was called out to take a look at a furnace that was causing a customer grief. Upon arriving on site, he inspected the furnace and determined that it needed to be replaced. When Jason approached the customer with the news and the price, the client broke down and became extremely upset and emotional as a new furnace was not something they had budgeted for. Jason mentioned "the client did not know what to do and I felt they needed some help from us." Jason then decided this family would be the perfect candidate for "Operation Holiday Giveback" and would donate his time and a whole new furnace to this family as a Christmas present.
JNJ Heating and Air Conditioning makes it an annual practice of doing this type of service to clients in need.
Here is what Jason found out that day. Greg was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis two days after birth. He has fought the disease all his life. At age 16, his lung function declined to a point that the doctors suggested a double lung transplant. They were first referred to St. Louis Children's Hospital and then at age 17 to Loyola University Medical. They spent the last 2 years at the hospital more than they were at home. Last January 2014, Greg started using oxygen. This past fall, Greg got a call for lungs on Sept. 8 but the lungs went bad. He was getting sicker and sicker. He was hospitalized on Nov. 1 until his transplant on Dec. 12. He remains in the hospital recovering. He has two chest tubes that are painful. He is very brave as he battles. The lung transplant isn't a cure but extends his life. Transplant patients require many medications and constant monitoring. It is a miracle to see him breathing without oxygen. Right now as he recovers he sleeps a lot as his body adjusts to his new lungs and the anti-rejection meds. They are waiting for his chest tubes to come out before he comes home.
On Christmas Eve, Jason and his team installed the new furnace. They donated their entire day to this installation and to the family.
For the client, this was a godsend, especially at Christmastime, "We would like to THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity. We are all so blessed with your kindness. Thanks again." - Steve, Melissa and Greg
Jason was ecstatic to be a part of this. He commented "it was the best 13 hours of work I ever did for free and I enjoyed every moment of it." He is looking forward to doing more work like this throughout the year and thinks the whole spirit behind Christmas is service and there should be more acts of kindness like this.
JNJ Heating and Air Conditioning are glad they were able to provide customers with Christmas spirit this holiday season and are wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and holiday season and a wonderful New Year!