A roofing team’s decision to repair a damaged roof for free turned into an extraordinary act of kindness after the brothers behind the project discovered that the homeowner’s wife was battling cancer and was about to begin chemotherapy.The Rudan Brothers, known for taking on home-improvement projects for families in need, initially arrived at the home of Hubert and Anne in Stoville, Canada, intending to repair a badly damaged roof. But after meeting the couple and learning about their difficult circumstances, the brothers decided that fixing the roof would not be enough.What followed was a sprawling home transformation involving a new roof, siding, gutters, soffits, fascia, a rebuilt porch, a new deck, a brand-new shed and several other improvements, all carried out with help from neighbours, friends and members of the local community.
‘I have two forms of cancer. And I’m starting chemo very soon’
The brothers said they had been looking for a family whose home they could improve at no cost when they received an email about Hubert’s house.When they arrived, they noticed a large tarp covering part of the roof. Hubert explained that the roof had been leaking but that he could not afford to repair it immediately.“We are roofers and we like to offer to fix your roof completely free,” one of the brothers told him in their YouTube video.Hubert was stunned by the offer and went inside to tell Anne. It was during their conversations with the couple that the brothers learned just how serious the family’s situation was.Anne revealed that she was battling two forms of cancer and was preparing to begin chemotherapy.“I have two forms of cancer. And I’m starting chemo very soon,” she said.The revelation deeply affected the brothers and strengthened their determination to do more for the couple.
The roof was in worse shape than expected
What began as a roof repair became a complete home transformation.
Once the team got onto the roof, they discovered severely deteriorated shingles that were so old they could be pulled away by hand.They removed the ageing roofing materials and found that several sheets of plywood also needed to be replaced. They also had to deal with an unused chimney, which Hubert wanted removed.The source of the leak was eventually traced to an area where an older, steeper section of the roof met a lower-pitched section. Despite the water damage, the wooden decking underneath was largely in good condition.The team installed new roofing materials, improved attic ventilation and added protective layers designed to prevent future moisture problems.But the roof was only the beginning.
‘We’re going to transform the whole house’
Hubert and Anne initially believed the brothers were simply replacing their roof. Instead, the team told them they planned to transform the entire property.“We’re going to transform your whole house,” they told the couple.The makeover expanded to include new siding, gutters, soffits and fascia. The brothers also noticed that the backyard shed was in extremely poor condition.Hubert had asked the team whether they could save some of the old siding so he could reuse it to repair the shed. Unknown to him, the brothers had already decided that repairing the shed was not enough.They planned to tear it down and build a completely new one.
The transformation brings the community together
The brothers learned the homeowner’s wife was battling two forms of cancer.
As the project grew, so did the number of people willing to help.Neighbours, church members and friends joined the brothers at different stages. Hubert himself regularly worked alongside the team, helping with everything from cleaning up debris to assisting with the renovation.Neighbour Lynn was also described as being “absolutely incredible” for helping throughout the project.The family’s church community also played a major role. Members not only visited the site but presented Hubert and Anne with a donation from a local charitable organisation.The brothers said the experience reminded them why they take on such projects.“It was one of those moments that reminded us why we do what we do and a moment we’ll never forget,” they said.
Anne gets unexpected news about chemotherapy
Amid the renovation, Anne shared an update from her doctor that added another emotional dimension to the project.She said she had initially been told she could start chemotherapy within one to two weeks but had asked to begin as soon as possible.“I said, ‘No, ASAP, as soon as possible,’” Anne recalled.Soon afterwards, she received a call from the hospital confirming that she would begin treatment that Thursday, meaning she would start chemotherapy sooner than expected.“One week, God answered the prayers,” she said.The brothers continued working as the family prepared for the next stage of Anne’s treatment.
A collapsing shed becomes a brand-new 10×10 structure
The elderly couple were left emotional by the extraordinary makeover.
The old backyard shed was eventually emptied and demolished.For Hubert, the shed held years of memories. As his belongings were removed, he recalled family gatherings and moments from earlier years.But the brothers had already planned something special.With help from Bob and Dragon, a professional framer with more than 30 years of experience, the team began constructing a new 10×10 shed.The structure was built from the ground up, with a new foundation and framing designed to give the family a strong and practical storage space.The project even extended beyond Hubert and Anne’s property. After neighbours Tim and Vanessa helped the crew, the brothers noticed their gutters were also in poor condition.They offered to replace those gutters completely free of charge.The old gutters turned out to be packed with sand, reportedly because of blowing material from a nearby gravel pit. The team replaced them and continued working on the main house.
New siding changes the look of the property
The brothers eventually moved on to the exterior siding.Before installation could begin, damaged wood had to be removed and rebuilt, particularly around a window where years of water intrusion had caused significant deterioration.The team then began installing new insulated aluminium siding.The transformation was immediately visible as the new panels went up around the house, giving the property a cleaner and more modern appearance.The project also uncovered another major problem: the back deck was falling apart.The brothers repaired the deck so that Hubert and Anne could once again safely use the space and enjoy their backyard.
The final reveal leaves the couple emotional
The renovation grew to include new siding, gutters, deck and shed.
After weeks of work, the team prepared for the final reveal.Hubert and Anne were brought outside and initially expected to see the completed renovation. When the van moved away, they were finally able to see the transformed property.The couple appeared overwhelmed by the result.“It’s better than perfect,” they said while thanking the team.
‘You are a godsend,’ Anne told the brothers after their act of kindness.
The brothers told them that the work had been a pleasure and that meeting them had become one of the most meaningful parts of the project.“We enjoyed every moment spent at this house. All the work we did, it was a pleasure for us,” they said. “Most importantly, we’re glad we met you guys.”The brothers also promised to stay in touch and continue supporting the couple.
‘God’s in it’
As the emotional farewell continued, the brothers told Anne they would continue praying for her as she began her cancer treatment.Anne remained optimistic about her recovery.“I’m going to be well,” she said.When the brothers encouraged her to keep believing, she responded: “I know I am. God’s in it.”
