Bettie’s numerous medical issues, including a recent leg amputation, meant that Rucker has become her primary caretaker, including cooking duties. Unfortunately, their leaky roof has damaged their home, so much so that when it rains, water drips into the kitchen.

Due to the family’s financials, Rucker thought the only way he could deal with the roof was to buy a few shingles at a time and make piecemeal repairs himself.

That’s when Lynchburg-based Cenvar Roofing (formerly Lynchburg Roofing) came through with the “No Roof Left Behind” initiative. The program selects families in the local community who are in need of roofing services. Once Cenvar narrows down the selection to a few finalists, the public votes for who they believe should receive the services. This is Cenvar Roofing’s eighth year participating in the program.

The Ruckers received the most votes from the community, and WSET-TV and Cenvar Roofing visited the home on March 16 to deliver the good news.

“There's a lot of negativity out there right now, but just being able to help someone in need is very heartwarming,” said Cenvar Roofing General Manager Holton Walker.

Rucker said the surprise was just what his family needed.

“Y’all brought joy back to me when I peeped through that little peephole and saw all the balloons and I saw the camera on the porch,” Rucker said. “I said, ‘Lord have mercy, evidently I must be the one!’”