Giving Back

Roofing Company Helps Family With 3 Children With Rare Disease

Home Genius Exteriors donates a new roof to a family overwhelmed with medical expenses.

Home Genius Exteriors team outside of the home in Philadelphia — Home Genius Exteriors (HGE) stepped up to help a Philadelphia family facing extraordinary medical challenges, donating and installing a complete roof replacement after learning about their heartbreaking circumstances.
*—Photo courtesy Home Genius Exteriors.*

Home Genius Exteriors (HGE) stepped up to help a Philadelphia family facing extraordinary medical challenges, donating and installing a complete roof replacement after learning about their heartbreaking circumstances.

HGE provided the Rivera family with a brand-new roof at no cost after discovering that three of their children have been diagnosed with Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC), a rare genetic liver disease that has left the family overwhelmed with medical expenses.

The Riveras initially contacted HGE last week after noticing water damage to their aging roof, which had been worsened by recent summer storms. Following a thorough inspection, the company determined that a full roof replacement was necessary. Despite HGE's efforts to find financing options, the family's mounting medical bills, student loans, and living expenses made the project financially impossible.

Everything changed when Angela Rivera sent a heartfelt email to the company, sharing her family's story and expressing gratitude for the team's support during the consultation process. Moved by their circumstances, HGE decided to donate the entire project, covering all materials and labor costs.

"As a father of five, I was moved by the story of the Rivera family," said Jeff Gunhus, CEO of Home Genius Exteriors. "Home Genius is proud to support the families in the communities in which we serve, and we are hopeful this small gesture will help ease their burden."

The Rivera family's challenges began in early 2022 when their then-three-year-old son experienced health problems that led to his PFIC diagnosis. The rare, progressive liver disease affects the bile ducts and can lead to serious complications. Within a year, their two younger children—now ages three and five months old—received the same devastating diagnosis.

For Angela Rivera, the company's generosity came at a crucial time when hope felt distant.

"It's hard to put into words what this means to us," Rivera said. "We were trying so hard to find a way to make it work, but with everything happening, it just felt out of reach. This act of kindness made an overwhelming situation feel a little less heavy and gave us hope when we needed it most."

The roof donation is part of Home Genius Exteriors' "Home Genius Cares" initiative, which provides support, service, and donations to local communities. The company's crews completed the installation, ensuring the Rivera family now has a secure, weather-tight home as they continue to focus on their children's medical care.