Local Business Provides Free Roof for Family with Special Needs Child

A family in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, received an unexpected Christmas gift when local roofing company Essential Exteriors donated a new roof for their home. This charitable act has brought relief to the Millers, who have been navigating the challenges of raising their medically fragile daughter.

The roofing installation took place on December 7, 2023, at the residence of Brianna and Connor Miller. Their one-year-old daughter, Sienna, was born with a complex condition known as VACTERL association, which includes multiple life-threatening birth defects affecting her heart, airway, spine, and gastrointestinal system.

“We’re still in shock,” Connor Miller expressed. “We still can’t believe they’re on the roof today and that it’s actually happening.”

Sienna has faced numerous medical procedures, including open-heart surgery, and relies on a feeding tube, necessitating frequent visits to specialists in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Brianna Miller, a former early intervention specialist, has dedicated her time to caring for Sienna, which has significantly impacted the family’s finances.

“It takes up most of our days,” Brianna said. “It’s been a big challenge, both physically and emotionally. One income is very difficult in this current situation we’re in.”

The Millers moved into their home in 2022, fully aware that the roof was nearing the end of its lifespan. However, the unexpected medical challenges associated with Sienna’s condition disrupted their plans for a roof replacement.

A turn of events occurred earlier this year when the Millers learned through the ARC Alliance, a regional non-profit organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, that they had been entered into a contest for a free roof provided by Essential Exteriors. The organization is currently providing Sienna with crucial speech and physical therapy services.

“We got an email and thought, ‘Let’s try,’” said Brianna. “We didn’t think anything would come of it.”

To their surprise, the Millers received the joyous news that they had won the contest. “We got the call and were very excited. We could not believe it,” Brianna recalled. “Connor was in the other room, and I ran in on speaker phone. We were in disbelief.”

This marks the second roof giveaway by Essential Exteriors in two years. The initiative holds personal significance for owner Dan Kingkiner, whose son lives with autism. “I know that being a special needs parent is challenging,” Kingkiner said. “So it’s something we can do to make one less worry for a family.”

Kingkiner also highlighted the collaborative effort that made this possible, noting that local vendors helped cover costs. “And it’s all new wood,” he added. “So it will be up to code, and it will be here for 20 years.”

With the new roof now in place, the Millers expressed their heartfelt gratitude. “We are just so appreciative,” Connor stated. “It’s really cool to see. The roof was in pretty rough shape; we knew it was coming in the next couple of years. So this timing couldn’t be better.”

“This will be a great help,” Brianna added. “We have a lot on our plates, and this is one giant thing that’s been on our plates that now we’ve removed thanks to them.”

The Millers’ story is a testament to the impact of community support and the kindness of local businesses in times of need.