PLATTSBURGH — Randy Duprey wanted everyone to know how much he valued their support as he fought a fatal disease.

In the months leading up to his death on Jan. 6 from systemic sclerosis, he told his wife, Kate Duprey, what he wanted to say.

"He wanted to genuinely thank the people who came together for us," she said. "He's the one who wanted to tell his story today."

HELP FROM MANY
Systemic sclerosis is a form of scleroderma that causes thickening of the skin and later can involve the lungs, hearts, kidneys and intestines.

Because Randy had to use a wheelchair once his disease progressed, they needed some adaptations to their house.

Kate said he especially felt grateful to the people who built the large, attached garage that is now nearing completion.

It started when the Dupreys were approached by a Lowe's employee, Jim Varno, who said he wanted to arrange a discount for the building supplies.

Jeff Helwig, manager of the Plattsburgh store, brought the matter to Lowe's corporate offices and was able to get a 50-percent discount approved.

Kate said Ben and Jeff Brean of Brean Construction helped with the foundation work, to get the site ready for construction.

"They gave us a generous deal getting all that done."

Kate said they bought the house from Tom Maggy, and he let them use an excavator, bulldozer, dump truck and more for the project.

Kate posted on her blog — www.thedupreyfamily.blogspot.com — that anyone who wanted to help build the garage could come over one Saturday.

"I don't know how to explain it. It was like a parade," she said.

About 20 people came out to help.

Wall by wall, section by section, the garage went up.

Only lights, sheet rock, insulation and some small side projects are left, Kate said.

KEPT FAMILY CLOSE
Randy loved to watch his friends and family work on the garage, Kate said.

Whenever someone came down the driveway, Randy would say, "There's activity in the compound."

Kate said that always put a smile on his face.

He would always ask if they wanted to play cards with him by saying, "Let's deal 'em," she said.

Randy had a short wish list, but a card game was always part of that, Kate said.

Randy's father, also named Randy Duprey, and Randy's grandfather, Ron Duprey, have done a lot of the smaller projects needed at the home, such as putting in stairs and closets.

Randy's father said work stopped when his son's condition deteriorated late in 2008. Randy told Kate he wanted his father and grandfather to spend their time with him.

As Randy's mobility decreased, he needed help to get outside and down the back steps in a wheelchair. Kate said that led to some near mishaps as they tried to move the wheelchair down the steps.

The garage, with a long set of half-steps, provided much easier outdoor access.

IN SON'S HEART
Kate said their son, 20-month-old Alek, would greet his father with "Morning, Da Da" every day. And Randy would respond, "Morning, buddy."

Even today, Alek pats his heart when Kate asks him where Da Da is.

"If it wasn't for him (Alek), I probably wouldn't be getting out of bed every day," Kate said.

Kate continues to periodically post on the blog, which contains names of many others who helped, as well as photos. It has received nearly 50,000 hits from people in 62 countries.

She's ready to start plugging away at the garage project again.

"Randy wanted to get this done, so we'll get it done. I'll see it gets done on his behalf."

E-mail Dan Heath at: dheath@pressrepublican.com