EMT, paving company go above and beyond to help local couple

BROCKTON, Mass. — A young EMT who makes a career out of helping others went one step further to help one of her regular patients.

Two Brewster ambulance EMTs wanted to do more for their patient who gets dialysis twice a week - where the driveway is a treacherous ride for the stretcher.

"There is a little bit of discomfort, little bumpy coming through," said EMT Brieann Bateson.

Michelle Ray at first thought about putting money aside or doing a fundraiser to pay for a new driveway. So she posted on a community Facebook page for mothers looking for someone to do the work.

"It really started weighing on me and I was thinking about what I can do to help them," said Ray.

Genevieve Coughlin works for Driveways by Heap, a company owned by Bob Heap.

"And the post asked does anyone have a husband who does paving. So I said, I'm not a husband, but I do paving and I would like to try to help you," said Coughlin.

The original Facebook was just asking for someone to do the work at a more affordable rate, but Driveways By Heap wanted to go one step further.

"I showed Bob the driveway and he said, you know, we just need to do this for these people. The full driveway. Completely new driveway from top to bottom," said Coughlin.

Bob and his team quickly decided to do the $2,200 job for free.

"When she brought it to my attention, it touched my heart. I just feel like if I could do something, then why wouldn't I," said Heap.

On Friday, they all showed up at the home with the surprise.

"Next week, we are coming to your house and we are completely replacing your driveway free of charge," said Coughlin.

The husband did not want to go on camera, but he let Boston 25 News capture some of it.

"It's going to look so beautiful," said Coughlin. "All because of Michelle. She's the real hero."

"I silently cried in the back of the ambulance. This is a really deserving family," said Ray.

Cox Media Group