Airdrie girls with Friedreich's ataxia get home from anonymous donor

An anonymous donor has stepped up to buy a home for a single mother inAirdriewhose daughtershave a rare disease that will leave them both in wheelchairs.

Earlier this year, Shanna Leavitt learned both her daughters Kadence, 11, and Addison, 9, have Friedreich'sataxia a rare genetic neurologicaldisease that leads to slow deterioration of themuscles andcan affect the eyes and heart.

The illnesshas no cure.

"I don't know how to thank people enough," saidLeavittwhen she was told about the anonymous donor earlier this month, surrounded by her three sisters and close friends.

Emotional surprise

"It's amazing how generous and how big people's hearts are," she said as tears rolled down her cheeks.

The Leavitts take possession of their bungalow in April, but stillneed to raise money to make the home wheelchair accessible.

The "incredibly generous" angel investor purchased the home, and will pay the mortgage until such time as Leavittcan afford to take on the payments herself, said volunteer organizer Bridget Brown.

The family is applying for grants and looking for tradespeople to donate their services.