"Heat U.P. Wisconsin" program: Heating homes and warming hearts



WAUKESHA (WITI) -- Kettle Moraine Heating & Air Conditioning answered a call for help after learning that a Waukesha family is in desperate need on Saturday, October 4th.

Through Heat U.P. Wisconsin, Bill Brink and his crew with Kettle Moraine Heating & Air Conditioning are installing a new furnace in the Gauger family home.

"Lennox donated all of the furnaces, as well as the HEPA filtration system. The HEPA filtration system will remove 90.99% of particulates in the air like viruses, bacteria's , and dust pollen's," said Brink.

This is a major deal considering young 8-year-old Gabriel suffers from a rare disease.

"His disease is Eosinophilic Esophagitis Disease. It's a white blood cell disorder that affects the G.I. tract. When he eats his body thinks food is foreign protein, so it rejects it. He is literally allergic to everything," said Nichole Gauger, Gabriel's mom.

At one point, fed with a feeding tube, it's been a long journey for Gabriel and his family.

"At a year he was diagnosed with 4 food allergies. Then at 3 years he was diagnosed with 25 food allergies," said Nichole.

So over the last 4 years, the family has only found 3 foods he can eat.

"I can have rice apples, I can have yams we're testing right now I can eat applesauce," said Gabriel.

Every 12 weeks, Gabriel goes to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for a research program for his disease. The group donated their time for the installation and went above and beyond.

"We have mold spores growing in all the vents, and they are actually going to clean them too -- he is very allergic to mold," said Nichole.

Tears of concern turned into tears of joy after this kind hearted gesture. You couldn't tell by Gabriel's smile and energy that he was sick, but you could definitely see from the family's reaction they are more than thankful for the assistance.

"It's awesome because there are good people in the world. We are just grateful, it humbles you, makes you feel amazing, cared about, and loved," said Nichole.

75 other similar installation projects took place on Saturday, October 4th.

If you know someone in need of a new furnace, CLICK HERE to find out how to nominate them for Heat U.P. Wisconsin.