Kevin McGaw Bounces Back from Long Illness, Finds Satisfaction in Ross

You know that charming Christmas village display at the Ross Community Center? And the merry decorations all around the building?

That's the work of Kevin McGaw. He's a facilities employee for the township, which means he's ready to step in no matter what needs doing. His eye for what makes a place cheery is evident around the building these days, and so is his smile and gentle manner.

You'd never know it, but Kevin has been through what most of us would call the ringer. The rough cycle. Ten years ago, while married and a homeowner in Ross, he became ill. Turns out he had a serious blood disororder something similar to leukemia.

A stem cell transplant from his brother finally saved his life, but not before losing almost everything. To get the care he needed, he had to move to Maryland for treatment at the National Institutes of Health. Months of feeling terrible followed, and during that time he lost his job at a cement contractor, lost his marriage and lost his home.

But Kevin, 41, fought his way back. He lives with his parents now, but is feeling well again, and his blood is fine. He's lanky, but he says he's always been thin. He has learned all the ropes at the community center, and enjoys helping the families who come in for activities.

After all he's experienced in the past decade, Kevin is likely one of the more wise people you'll meet, although he's rather quiet about it. Still, we asked what his ordeal has taught him.

"Everybody has problems," he said. Then he want back to placing a candy cane decal on a glass door.

"Oh, and don't sweat the small things."