A grateful family was given the keys to their new home on May 18, 2009 in Sacaton. Tribal leaders, Housing committee members, and members of Red Arrow Homes & Development, took part in a blessing and ribbon cutting ceremony for homeowner Judith Thompson.
Thompson's housing application dated back, "about seven years," and everyday during the construction phase she would drive by the site with her children. "Mom, let's ride by the new house," her children said as progress was made on the home.
The home was built as a "special-needs" house to accommodate Thompson's daughter, Randi Renee Antone, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in December. Thompson's daughter was using a wheelchair due to the fatigue and weakness in her bones.
In light of young Randi Renee's poor health, the construction was accelerated on Thompson's home. "Because of [Randi's] illness, we were able to get our house built first," Thompson said.
"This is one of the days we've been waiting for," said Rodney Jackson, D3 Council representative.
Jackson's fellow D3 representative, Myron Schurz, was also very appreciative during the event. "God's blessings have been given to us as a Community," said Schurz.
Sonja Antone, D3 Housing Committee member, said that Thompson's house is one of 116 homes set to be built by the Community. Of those 116, 85 have been contracted for construction. Antone said the remaining 31 are definitely still going under contract.
Before Thompson cut the ribbon on her new home, she was moved to tears when she addressed the crowd gathered on her property. "I'm crying because I'm happy," she said.
The elation is also due to the fact that Randi completed her last inpatient chemotherapy and is doing well. "I could feel the Community as they were with me during these difficult times," she said.
Red Arrow Homes & Development, as a polite gesture, donated a play-yard in the back of the house for Randi and the family.
For the future homeowners, Thompson has some helpful advice. "Start packing early, because this day came sooner than we thought."
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