OUR POOL DONATION FOR |
Christian Cacciaguerra |
A free swimming pool? How could that be? There has to be a story behind this. There is. Read on
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This is the story about Christian Cacciaguerra
of Flanders NJ.
In July 2005, Christian was diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy
called Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It is the most debilitating type, affecting
mostly boys. Swimming happens to be the best form of therapy for this disorder.
Read on.
September 2010
About a year and a half ago, I was contacted by Christian's uncle, Jerry Lobozzo. We know each other through the music business, as we are both
professional
musicians. Myself a guitar player, and Jerry a drummer and singer.
Jerry knew that I was in the swimming pool business and he told me the situation
concerning Christian's health. He told me swimming provides the best therapy for
Christian's condition as
it provides stretching of the muscles without resistance.
Water therapy has
always been commonly known for rehabilitation from sports injuries,
arthritis and other ailments as a no impact type treatment.
Jerry also told me of Christian's parents, Michael and Kathleen, and the sacrifices
they have made to accommodate for Christian's condition.
Jerry flat out said, "Christian needs to swim". He asked if there was some way I
could help. I said yes.
Since that time, I have been able to assemble my subcontractors, material
suppliers and equipment manufacturers to commit to this project- are you ready?
FREE
OF CHARGE! YES FREE!!
We have also collected monetary donations (see information
below on how to donate) to offset any additional costs encountered. We
certainly would welcome MORE.
I personally want to thank all of my subcontractors, material
suppliers and equipment manufacturers for their help. I will be compiling and
posting a list of ALL contributors to this project as I cannot take all
the credit. I rely on these companies for our routine projects as well. It would
not be fair if I did not include them.
In the past month I have been interviewed by 3 newspapers covering this story.
They all asked what made me commit?
I stated a number of reasons. First, I think we should be concentrating on
helping people in our local towns and neighborhoods. People that are local to our area/community. We
have citizens in this country that need help right now.
Secondly, I am also hoping
this will bring awareness to Muscular Dystrophy, especially Duchenne.
Thirdly, I
think the swimming pool industry will benefit as people will see that a backyard
pool
is not only fun, but therapeutic.
Kevin Misley
President
What will Christian's Pool look
like?
It will be a custom gunite pool 18' x 36'. A
constant depth of 4' will allow Christian and a therapist and or mom and dad to
utilize the entire pool during use.
In Christian's Pool, it begins at a zero depth and slowly descend to the final depth of 4' on a
special ramp designed for easy access. There will also be a set of steps
adjacent to this special ramp as another point of entry.
A slightly raised hot tub approx 10' x 10' will allow for warm water therapy for
Christian to loosen his muscles prior to and after therapy. A dedicated
pump to activate therapeutic jets will be an added bonus.
The sanitizing system will be a specially designed type where they will have
have reduced maintenance and never need to store traditional chlorine. An
special type
filter, energy efficient pumps, heater, automatic cleaner and a
computerized control system round out the entire system.
The surrounding patio will be composed of smooth concrete for ease of
travel.
There will also be a 10' x 20' pool house complete with a full bathroom set up
for easy access for Christian and for friends and family.
So where are we now?
Well, Thursday September 2, 2010 we broke ground! A ceremonial "dig" by
Christian began the festivities.
It included family, friends, workers and
members of the press including 2 TV stations!
It was a gorgeous sunny day-rain
free!
Read the latest article in the Mount Olive Chronicle
What are the next steps?
Bookmark this page. We will be documenting the progress of this
project through video and still photos. Scroll Down and
see
Where to send
donations:
Please contact Mystic Pools at:
webmaster@mysticpools.com
We will direct you where
to send your donations
Thank you in advance!!
See how this job all comes together-and yes there will be a
BIG party when we
are complete.
Important Links and Information Below |
ADVOCACY GROUP - Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) is the largest nonprofit organization in the United States focused entirely on Duchenne. This is their link to the home page - http://www.parentprojectmd.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nws_index
This is a good link to get a quick overview of what duchenne is and how it effects the boys: http://community.parentprojectmd.org/video/1187424:Video:24
Christian's Doctor - Dr. Brenda Wong is Christians doctor. She handles all aspects of Christians care from the complexities of Duchenne (heart problems, breathing issue,etc...) to the day to day care issues. Christian has a primary doctor in Chester NJ named Dr. Gerald Casale but he guided by Dr. Wong on almost all aspects of care. This is Dr. Wongs Profile link: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/svc/find-professional/w/brenda-wong.htm
Here are some photos of the groundbreaking
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Quick shot with mom and dad, Michael and Kathleen |
Christian at the controls for the BIG DIG! |
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Uncle Jerry lends a hand |
Uncle Jerry trying to trade a t
shirt for a ride on the ATV. |
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Christian enjoying a slice |
Buddies for life |
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Uncle Jerry, Kevin, Christian, Michael and Kathleen during BIG DIG |
T-Shirts to mark the event |
Quick update on our progress as of 9/22/10
Since the excavation a lot of things have
transpired. A bed of crushed stone was put down on the floor, our hot tub form
and ramp form were constructed, we installed our surface skimmers, bottom drains
in the pool and the hot tub. Piping was installed in preparation for the hot
tubs jets, drains and returns. We will be putting more crushed stone in the hot
tub area now that our piping is complete.
We began installing our reinforcement bar in the pool and will continue into the
hot tub.
The next step will be 2 inspections and then we can "shoot" concrete to form the
structure. You won't want to miss those photos-perhaps the most interesting
aspect of the project.
Stick around there will be more!
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We have our form boards installed and leveled and we have prepped for our pool and hot tub piping and put down a layer of crushed stone. |
A closer look at the piping for the
hot tub. It will features 8 therapeutic jets which are the the pipes at
the top portion of the form. We oversize our piping for maximum
water delivery resulting in fantastic jet action. |
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The beginning of the installation of the reinforcement bar (rebar). This reinforces the concrete structure when its shot. The form to the left is for the ramp that also will be reinforced with the rebar. |
A different view of the rebar. Notice the surface skimmers prepped. |
Another quick update on our progress as of 10/8/10
The day finally arrived after about 5 days of on off rainy, crummy, miserable weather. We managed to complete the rebar and get the pool prepped for gunite. Today was an absolutely beautiful day perfect for shooting concrete! Check out the photos below to how this amazing process brings this whole structure together. Gunite courtesy of Tri-State Gunite of Sloatsburg, NY
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Here the rebar is complete and ready for concrete. |
Another look from the ramp entry |
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The gunite being shot in the corner of the pool |
Working on the hot tub |
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The men working on leveling and shaping the hot tub |
Entry steps are slowly shaping up |
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The gunite for the ramp being applied as steps are shaped |
Another view of the ramp and entry steps |
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Gunite complete! We have a structure |
Look at those beautiful steps and ramp! |
Quick update:
With the pool structure complete, we were able to
begin the pool coping. The material for the pool is a large paver stone with an
aesthetically pleasing and yet a non-skid finish. We plan to install bluestone
for the spa coping made up of large pieces.
The next step will be to install the perimeter water line tile just below the
coping stone.
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Working hard on filling joints on the stones |
All stones set! |
Quick update:
We began the excavation for the pool
house. When complete, it will finish off at 10' x 20' complete with an ADA
bathroom and room for storage.
The pool filtration system will sit directly behind the structure out of sight.
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Hugo digging out for footer prep |
Nearly completing a perfect dig |
Quick update:
The foundation and block work for the pool house
is complete! The next step is to run the water and sewer pipes, our gas and
electric. Once that's complete, we can begin backfilling and start on the main
structure.
The snowy conditions, with more to come, has stalled our progress for now. Have
no fear we will move on!
Photos will be posted as soon as we find some snow shoes!
Quick update:
Lots of things happening and major accomplishments
in the past 2 weeks! Trenches were dug for the gas, electric, water and sewer
lines. All piping has been installed and inspected. The concrete slab for the
pool house was formed and poured. The additional concrete pad for the pool
equipment was poured at the same time. All necessary plumbing lines were stubbed
in the pool house slab for the bathroom. All this work by donation!
All the trenches for the utilities were backfilled and trenching for the pool
piping was started. We will now be able set up the pool equipment on the new
slab!
Check out the photos below
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Gas pipe, sewer and electrical conduit in place |
Another shot of the gas pipe and sewer line |
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Tori and Rudy of M&M Masons prepping for the concrete slab |
Little more prepping prior to pouring |
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Completed concrete slab from the front |
Looking at the back of the pool house slab |
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Ivan working on the trenches in preparation for the pool piping |
Quick Update:
Tile work was started around the pool's
perimeter. 6"x6" gray tile matches well with the pool coping. The limestone
coping was installed. This material is perfect for this setting as the color
coordinates with most anything. Because of the stone's natural properties, it's
cool to the touch even in the hottest locations. We will be installing glass
tile on the face portion of the hot tub just beneath the spillway to give it a
great accent. This will make the tub really "pop".
See the photos below
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Mystic Pools owner Kevin Misley applying tile donated by UNITED POOL TILE of East Rutherford, NJ |
Tori and Rudy of M&M Mason Contractors installing the limestone coping supplied for FREE by Mohawk Materials of Sloatsburg, NY |
Quick Update:
The pool house has been completed. A beautiful
design complete with vinyl siding, windows, double door for great access and a
durable roof. All electrical components have been installed as well to provide
power for the pool house and the pool filtration system which is completely
hidden behind the structure.
Check out the progress photos of the pool house below.
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Pool house materials being delivered |
Framing under way |
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Sheathing material going into place |
Double door and windows installed. Roofing near completion |
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Pool house complete with vinyl siding and gutters |
Quick Update:
Quite a bit has happened in the last 3 weeks. We
completed the installation of the pool equipment and all the necessary piping.
All the electrical and gas requirements are in place.
Aaron
Excavating provided FREE site work digging trenches for our piping and then
returning to backfill and grade the perimeter.
Thanks to owner Roy Emr for providing the service.
Raymond Pool plastering provided the Hydrazzo Haterras Gray plaster free of
charge! His crew worked in the blistering heat for 2 days straight to apply the
plaster finish and then return the following day to polish it to a silky smooth
texture.
Hats off to Raymond and his crew!
Happie Time Pool Water of Kenvil donated
3 trucks worth of water so we could start the filtration system immediately.
Thanks to Holly and her father Seymour for the generous donation.
Next order of business is the concrete pool patio.
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Aaron Excavating preparing trenches for the pool piping |
Adam of Mystic Pools working on pipe installation |
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Aaron Excavating grading perimeter following pipe installation |
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Raymond plastering company applying Hydrazzo finish |
Polishing the finish the next day |
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Many thanks to Raymond for the best plastering around! |
Raymond's crew pose for a quick photo with Christian |
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Happie Time Pool Water donated 18,000 gallons plus of water to fill the pool! |
Seymour of Happie Time and Raymond watch as the pool fills |
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Raymond Jr.
holding the hose while the spa fills
Raymond, Christian, Raymond Jr. and Seymour |
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Christian and Raymond Jr relax as
the pool fills. |
Christian taking the first swim! |
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As always, more photos to come as we move along