WEST PARIS – A concrete slab was poured this week for the foundation of Beth Coffin’s new house.

Beth’s House Committee member Paul Thornfeldt reported Thursday that the concrete slab was poured on Wednesday and the roof trusses were delivered to the construction site as work to build the 24-year-old who was diagnosed as a youngster with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, continues.

The house, on a site near the family’s High Street home, is expected to be framed this weekend.

Coffin suffers from a neuromuscular condition that attacks nerve cells in the spine, causing weakness and atrophy of the voluntary muscles. She is confined to a wheelchair and sleeps in a Porta-Lung at night.

She also suffers from severe allergies and two blood diseases.

The Steering Committee of Let’s Build Beth’s House, along with many volunteers and organizations, has been working to get the project off the ground since June 2009. Money has been raised through benefit dinners, auctions and concerts, as well as individual and corporate donations.

So far, the committee has raised $34,000. Construction costs are estimated at between $90,000 and $110,000 to get the house completed before the winter season, Thornfeldt said.

Coffin’s mother, Bonnie, and her partner Gary both suffer from chronic Lyme disease but have have devoted their lives to taking care of Beth. That includes lifting and carrying her 54-pound- body to the bath, the wheelchair, the dressing table and the Porta-Lung.

Because of the situation, the family home deteriorated, becoming unsafe and unhealthy for the Coffins.

Donations for Beth’s House are being accepted at Beths’ House, Norway Savings Bank, 261 Main St., Norway ME 04268. A tax-deductible donation can be sent to Community Concepts and designated to Beth’s House at Community Concepts Inc., Attn: Carrie Colley, 79 Main St., Auburn, ME 04210

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