SWCA partners with members and Nutter Foundation to grant little boy's wish
When Robert and Katie Zadak learned that their son’s life would be shortened, due to pediatric liver cancer, they made it their mission to ensure that the rest of Nick’s life would be filled with joy and happiness. Focusing on the positive and taking one day at a time is their strategy for dealing with the unfairness of the cards dealt to their family.
Robert expressed that Nick “absolutely loves all of the construction equipment and knows more technical terms for equipment than I do!” He was skeptical that Nick’s condition would allow him to take part in 2017 Dozer Days and was hopeful that local construction companies could help arrange a small event to allow Nick to participate in similar activities.
The Southwest Washington Contractors Association partners with the Nutter Foundation to help coordinate volunteers for Dozer Days. As soon as the Zadak’s reached out to these entities, SWCA and Nutter Foundation worked together to organize a personal Dozer Day for Nick. SWCA members, Excavator Rental Services and Catworks Construction, volunteered heavy machinery and staff time to allow Nick to drive and operate construction equipment.
Typically a timid boy, Nick became immediate best friends with his equipment operators, Gavin Washburn and Connor Lamb. Seeing the smile on Nick’s face while driving the heavy machinery, surrounded by his family, friends, and undeniably strong parents, was a reminder that you cannot take life for granted. On February 1, 2017 Nick was granted his ultimate wish, and became an honorary SWCA construction equipment operator.
The day’s events were also a reminder that in times of need, community will take care of its members. Darcy Altizer, Executive Director of SWCA, spoke of the association’s core values, “community building is something we take pride in at the SWCA, so extending our network to make Nick’s wish come true was an honor and top priority.”
We are sharing this story with you to remind you of the amazing construction community we have here in Southwest Washington. We would like you to use this as an opportunity to take a few moments to remind your loved ones that you love and appreciate them. Remember, life is short, never take it for granted.
