A Tennessee man is determined to finish restoring a 1920s home before he permanently loses his sight thanks to a genetic condition.
Time is of the essence for Zane McKee and his family as they embark on a massive restoration project of their 100-year-old home.
The house, a cornerstone of the McKee family’s history in Lascassas, holds generations of memories and is now in desperate need of repair.
Zane is facing the progressive loss of his sight due to a genetic condition called retinitis pigmentosa, for which there is currently no cure.
‘I want to see this house restored before my vision is completely gone,’ Zane told local CBS affiliate WTVF. ‘It’s a race against time.’
Time is of the essence for Zane McKee and his family as they embark on a massive restoration project of their 100-year-old home
The house, a cornerstone of the McKee family’s history in Lascassas, holds generations of memories and is now in desperate need of repair (Pictured: Zane McKee)
Zane’s great grandparents built the house in 1925 and it has been in the McKee family for five generations. The family ran a general store.
‘A lot of folks have been on this front porch and a lot of problems have been solved and probably started on this porch too, I’d say,’ said McKee.
The genetic disorder has been passed on throughout four of the five generations of the McKee family. He was determined to be legally blind twelve years ago, which effectively ended his career.
His twin boys, Brady and Jack, have been helping to expedite the restoration process.
Determined to preserve their family legacy, the McKees have partnered with Shaw Construction to undertake the extensive restoration.
‘When it’s done, we know it’ll be home,’ Zane said. ‘Probably six months or so.’
With Zane facing the progressive loss of his sight due to a genetic condition called retinitis pigmentosa, the urgency to complete the project is heightened
Despite the challenges, Zane remains hopeful.
‘I may lose my sight, but I won’t lose my vision for the future,’ he said. ‘I encourage others facing adversity to never give up. Better days are ahead.’
To help offset the medical, travel, and construction costs associated with Zane’s health battle and the home restoration, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign, ‘Zane’s Race to Restore.’