Wood Flooring Community Helps Wisconsin Family After Tree Injury

Last May Laura Dwyer of Oconomowoc Lake, Wis., was doing some landscaping at her home when a 600-pound tree branch fell on her, severing her spinal cord, crushing her rib cage and breaking her leg. The mother of two young boys has since received overwhelming support from her community and friends, including the wood flooring industry.

Bob Kalma Sanding the Dwyers new maple wood floors on his own time. Photo Courtesy of Matt Thrane.When the accident left Dwyer wheelchair-bound, the family's carpeted home become difficult for mobility. Bob Kalma, a friend of the family who owns Imperial Home Services of Wisconsin, volunteered to replace 1,200 square feet of carpet with wood flooring. Soon the project began receiving donations: Aquabar underlayment from Gehl Flooring Supply (Kalma's previous employer), maple flooring from Infinity Wood Floors, cleats from Powernail Company Inc., abrasives from Norton Abrasives and finish from Arboritec USA Inc.

Kalma installed and sanded the floor with the help of Gehl's Matt Thrane, Bryan Schneeweis and Brian Husted of K & B Custom Floors (Milwaukee, Wis.), and even Chris Dwyer, Laura's husband.

"I must say it is a tragic and life-altering event that took place not only for Laura but their the whole family, and it's times like this that people need help the most. That is why when Bob Kalma asked us at K & B Custom Floors if we could help out, we didn't hesitate to step in," Schneeweis said.

For more on Laura Dwyer's story, see the local TV station TMJ4's report.

Chris Dwyer helps with finishing. Photo courtesy of Matt Thrane.