The Power of a Smile: Our Day with ROC Solid Foundation

As a construction company, we spend our days renovating homes, creating beautiful spaces, and helping families fall in love with their homes all over again. Every once in a while, however, we're given the opportunity to be part of something that goes far beyond construction.

In June, the NU-YAR Construction team partnered with ROC Solid Foundation to build a playset for Lucy, a courageous young girl battling osteosarcoma. This was our second time volunteering with ROC Solid Foundation, but this experience was very different from our first.

Lucy wasn't able to be there on build day because she was in the hospital receiving chemotherapy. Instead, we had the privilege of spending the day with her dad, Jason. As our team worked, Jason shared their family's journey with us. He spoke openly about Lucy's diagnosis, the many treatments she's endured, and the strength and resilience she has shown through it all.

Listening to Jason's story was incredibly moving. His openness gave all of us a deeper appreciation for what their family has been facing and, even more importantly, for the remarkable spirit Lucy has maintained throughout her journey. Although we hadn't met her yet, by the end of the day we felt like we knew her.

While Jason shared their story, I found myself watching our team. Each member of our team brings different strengths and a different personality, yet they work together so seamlessly. They genuinely enjoy working alongside one another, and it shows. As an owner, watching them that day filled me with pride. We often talk about culture at NU-YAR, but days like this are where you truly see it come to life. We have an incredible team, and I am grateful every day for the people who represent our company and our values.

The following day, Lucy's family hosted a special unveiling with family and friends. The playset was wrapped in pink, waiting for Lucy's arrival. When the wrapping came off, her excitement was impossible to miss. Seeing her smile and waving her hands in excitement was incredibly emotional.

For those few moments, she wasn't defined by cancer, hospital visits, surgeries, or treatments. She was simply a little girl enjoying her new playset, laughing with the people she loves.

That smile reminded me why organizations like ROC Solid Foundation are so important. They create moments of joy and normalcy for families facing challenges that most of us can only imagine. We are honored to have been a small part of making that moment possible.

Thank you to ROC Solid Foundation for the incredible work you do every day. Thank you to Jason and your entire family for welcoming us, sharing your story, and allowing us to play a small role in Lucy's journey. And thank you to every member of the NU-YAR team for giving your time, your talents, and your hearts. Watching each of you work together reminded me that we have built something very special—not just in the homes we renovate, but in the team we've built along the way.

Before this project, Lucy was simply a name on a build sheet. By the end of the weekend, she had become someone our entire team was cheering for. We will continue to follow her journey and celebrate every victory along the way.

If Lucy's story has touched your heart as much as it touched ours, I encourage you to follow her journey on Instagram at @BraveLikeLucy. Her mom, Staci, is also participating in the Maine Children's Cancer Program Walk this September to raise funds and awareness for children battling cancer. If you'd like to support their family or learn more about the walk, you can visit: https://p2p.onecause.com/mccpfwalk26/staci-hanson.

Sometimes the most meaningful things we build aren't measured in square feet. They're measured in hope, laughter, and the memories families make together.