One Year Anniversary of Nathan Glad’s New Home

By Jessica Thompson

Taylorsville - Nathan Glad loves baseball, Legos and helping people through his charity work. What he does not love are broken bones. Nathan suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta type 2, or brittle bone disease, and breaks a bone at least once a month. However, Nathan doesn’t let this get him down. 

“He is 99 percent happy all of the time. He is great at adapting and making things work for him. He loves life and is just a joy to be around. You seriously cannot be sad when he is with you,” his mother Rachel Glad said.                          

Nathan’s disability has resulted in his using a wheelchair, and moving around his home independently was difficult for him. His family knew something had to be done to help Nathan move around easier. It took a lot of time and effort for the Glad family to get the project started, until one day when Deb Harper heard about the family’s situation. 

Harper recalled the mess the Glad home was left in when she began working on the project. With the help of Harper’s contracting business, Big Bear Electric, Peterson Homes and many other contractors, a much-needed home for the Glad family became a possibility. 

It took two months working day and night for the contractors to take a completely empty addition of the house and fill it with new carpet, hardwood floors and granite countertops. The Glad family was told they were not allowed to see the home until completion and was given an apartment until the big reveal day. Harper remembered it being much like the hit TV show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” 

“There is no way to describe the way I felt while working on the Glad’s home. It was life changing for us,” Harper said.  

Last May, on Rachel Glad’s birthday, Nathan and his family stepped off a party bus to find a brand new home, which offered Nathan independence. The redesign included a walk-in shower so he could get in and shower on his own. Built onto the front of the house were two wheelchair ramps for an easier entrance into his home. Also, a new playground was constructed for Nathan to be able to play with his siblings. 

“He was so excited that day. He loved being able to zoom around in his wheelchair and see everything. His favorite was his new shower that let him shower all on his own,” Rachel said. 

Nathan’s siblings also received brand new, fully-furnished bedrooms, including new bedding. Rachel’s remembered that there was not a dry eye in the room. With the help of many contractors and families, the Glad family was finally able to feel at home in their own house.

 “It was incredible to be a part of this project for such an outstanding family. They are always willing to help others and I was grateful I could help them. I would do anything for the Glad family,” Harper said.        

Harper recalled the many who helped with this project, and still reflects on how lives have been changed from watching so much joy come from this family. Nathan’s positive attitude and love for life continue to make a huge impact on anyone who knows him. 

“Just because he is small and limited in his abilities, he can make a huge difference in the world. He never gives up and he always finds the good in any situation,” his mom said.