Irmo, SC (WLTX) -- Young people across South Carolina are renovating the home of Deputy Mark Ryan, who is battling Stage IV lung cancer.
Monday marked day one of United Methodist Church's "Salkehatchie." Young people went to six homes in the Irmo and Chapin areas --one of those being Deputy Ryan's of the Richland County Sheriff's Department.
"It's wonderful to help serve somebody who needs it and you can definitely see the in progress of your work," said Jordan Olsen, a sixth year participant.
This year Deputy Ryan's home was chosen. He is a single father with three daughters. Sheriff Leon Lott said that the RCSD foundation agreed to purchase all the materials needed for the week-long project.
"Our big project is the roof, trying to replace the roof and after that we'll be putting in a French drain and fixing some facscia and soffit," said Chris Conley, who is head of Deputy Ryan's site.
Even Deputy Ryan and some of his family helped the campers with the tasks.
"He's been so thankful and involved already. We showed up and he thanked us," said Conley. "It's nice to keep him smiling and keep him kind of happy."
Although it's day one of the project, campers are already seeing the fruits of their labor.
"Just seeing that we helped somebody, that what we do matters to somebody and that it can make somebody's life easier," said Olsen.