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Neighbors helping family facing hard times during COVID-19 pandemic

Posted at 8:10 PM, Apr 11, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-19 15:09:29-04

INDIANAPOLIS — Restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 can be especially tough for families with loved ones who are already sick.

Nicole Lauer has had some unsettling news over the last few months. In November, her mom had been diagnosed with cancer.

"She had to have a double mastectomy so she had it Dec. 23, and we didn't get out of the hospital until Christmas Day," Lauer said.

Then her father lost his legs and he was diagnosed with Stage 3 cirrhosis of liver.

The social distancing restrictions in place due to COVID-19 aren't making it any easier for her to cope.

"Through this all, we've been strong," Lauer said.

Even though the family couldn't go inside to visit her dad, they still showed up outside his window to sing and try to raise his spirits.

"My neighbors built a ramp the day they found out my dad was having his first amputation," Lauer said.

The Harden family started working on ramp before asking the family. They wanted to help the family have a smooth transition to their new normal.

In addition to building the ramp, they also helped with some yard work.