We’ve officially kicked off the bathroom project! With the builder starting next week, things are finally moving forward. We’ve got a plan (pictured roughly in an aerial view), which includes adding cavity sliders and widening some doorways to make the space more accessible for Shane.
The total cost of the bathroom is estimated at around $37,000—so our original estimates weren’t far off! While we have some funding available through My Aged Care, we’re cautious about using too much of it now, as these funds will also need to cover Shane’s future home care services as his condition progresses.
What We’ve Achieved So Far
- Cash Donations: At the time of writing, we’ve raised just over $10,000 in cash donations. This will significantly contribute to the building work, which is the most expensive part of the project.
- Tile Discount: We received a generous discount on tiles and were able to purchase them.
- MND Vic Grant: A grant of $1,800 from MND Vic helped pay for the tiles and a sensor tap.
- Demolition Work: Friends and family stepped up to help with the demo work, including electrical demo performed by Shane from Cadelec (Finn’s dad).
Services Donated So Far
- Electrical Work: Huge thanks to RK Electrical and Shane from Cadelec for committing to the electrical work—we’re definitely covered here!
- Waterproofing: We believe we have this service donated and will share more details soon.
- Glazing: A big thank you to Dindo Glass for agreeing to supply and install the glazing.
- After-Build Clean: We’ve had a kind offer for a post-build clean to get the bathroom ready for use.
- Plumbing: Most of the plumbing work will be donated by Travis Capp—thanks, Travis!
What We Still Need
- Funds: Contributions toward building work or services we haven’t secured yet would be greatly appreciated. We’d love to raise at least another $10,000 if we can.
- Tiling: If you’re a tiler who can donate time or offer a reduced rate, we’d love to hear from you.
- Plastering: The room was gutted, so there’s a fair amount of plaster work needed. We thought we had someone for this, but we are not sure they are still available due to the time its taken to get here.
- Paint & Painting: A painter who can help us achieve a professional finish would be a huge help.
- Insulation: Any donations or discounted products for insulation would be welcome.
- Cabinetry: We need cabinetry built in—if anyone can supply this at a discounted cost or donate their services, it would make a big difference.
Every donated trade or product reduces the amount we need to fund this project, allowing us to use My Aged Care funding more strategically over the next year. The funding available through My Aged Care is limited annually, and we know it will be needed later for Shane’s home care services.
How You Can Help
- Donate directly to Shane’s MND battle:
https://shanelewismndbattle.com/donations/givewp-donation-form-2/ - Offer trades, services, or products:
https://shanelewismndbattle.com/contact-us/ - Support Shane’s grandson Finn’s MND Vic fundraising efforts:
https://www.mndrelay.org.au/my-fundraising/2896/finn-cadman
We’re so grateful for the generosity we’ve already received and the continued support from friends, family, and the community. Together, we’re making this happen, and any additional help will bring us closer to completing this much-needed update for Shane.
Image: This is the birds eye view of the bathroom (we can show more plans if anyone is interested in helping)
