Painting for Humanity: Neighbors pitch in to help friend battling cancer

When the opportunity arose to paint his neighbor's house, Storm Laker Jack Kooker says he jumped at the chance, if it meant he would no longer have to stare at that 'dang ugly,' pinkish colored hue on the abode next door, he says with a chuckle.

But in his heart he knew it was only a small thing he could do, he wished he could do more for his sick friend. But for Chuck MacDonald's family and wife, Kay, it was heartwarming. Kooker's neighbor Chuck was diagnosed with lung cancer about three years ago. The cancer has since metastasized into his brain, he is now receiving hospice care. The retired principal had been mowing the couple's lawn and knew of the need to repaint the house, they decided on an almond color for the house and cocoa color for the trim. He's calling the project "Painting for Humanity," as a spin off of Habitat for Humanity. "Hopefully this is a springboard for America. They need to take note and do this," he says.

He gathered up some neighbors, church friends, family members of Peterson, Boy Scouts and leaders, for the task. A flyer, requesting volunteers, hung up about the upcoming event even caught the attention of an eager volunteer, who didn't even know the couple. Members of the Sheriff's Department and Highway Patrol were also there. MacDonald worked for as a police officer in Storm Lake for close to 30 years. "Chuck trained a lot of people in law enforcement," says Kay.

Read more of this story in the August 31 Pilot Tribune.

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