Pontiac woman fighting cancer gets new doors installed by generous FOX 2 viewer
PONTIAC, Mich. (FOX 2) - Alicia Pote needed new doors after someone tried to break into her home while she was being treated in the hospital.
FOX 2 put out the call and generous viewers stepped up to help with an overwhelming response. One week later she got her new doors.
"I am overwhelmed with the kindness and outreach from people," Pote said. "I really truly appreciate everyone who has contacted me."
We first introduced you to 62-year-old Alicia last week. The Pontiac woman thought she had beat her brain and lung cancer learned it was back - and spread throughout her body.
"I will fight the fight," she said. "I will live, not die. I've decided."
Alicia was trying to stay positive although those test results came at the same time she had been struggling to get the doors to her house fixed or replaced, but couldn't afford it on her fixed income and couldn't find anyone or any agency to help.
That is until FOX 2 got involved. Dan Villareal, a general contractor who owns Areli Detroit saw our story.
"When I heard she had a brain tumor - my dad passed away from a brain tumor - so when I hear any story like that, it stops you in your tracks," he said. "You can relate to it and what my dad had to go through and what she is going through. And you never know when it's your turn health-wise and you are going to need people to help you."
Countless people called FOX 2 wanting to help Alicia - but Dan stood out. He remembered the people who stepped up when his dad was battling brain cancer - and he wanted to do the same for Alicia.
Within 24 hours he measured her house for new doors and on Saturday, Areli Detroit made it happen.
"This is amazing, I am so pleased, I am so happy," she said.
Alicia worried her home wouldn't not be secure when she started chemo next week, but with Dan's generosity and help - she can now focus her on her health.
"Peace of mind when I am in the hospital, just reassuring with my neighbors and then new doors," she said. "I am just very happy and at peace."
Dan is hoping to inspire more businesses to give back - because he says you never know when you may be the one in need.
"It was an example my dad set for me that I set for others," he said. "I am not perfect in every way and I can't help everyone, but it does make a good feeling to see her light up and say there is more good than bad out there."
"It is overwhelming and I don't think words can express how grateful I am," she said. "Thank you so much."