Health problems can shake up any person's world. For Ed Wilkinson, regular trips to his local Ace Hardware provided him with the familiar comfort he needed during his medical treatments.

Ed was feeling a bit depressed when he was diagnosed with cancer. He felt physically weak after his chemotherapy treatment. On his way home, he decided to stop at Westlake Ace Hardware in Springfield, Missouri. After browsing the aisles and chatting with some of the Ace employees, he could feel his spirits lifting.

"The first time Ed came in after therapy, he enjoyed the experience here," said Steve Jones, Manager of Westlake Ace Hardware. "He decided to come here every time after he had therapy."

"It was a sanctuary of sorts because it was a comforting, relaxing, familiar place," said Ed.

Ace employees David Leach and Darren Hannah really enjoyed chatting with Ed when he stopped in for a visit.

"Ed was very jolly and easy to talk with," said David. "He became a regular customer right away."

Ed made several visits to Ace over the next three months. His connection to the store and its employees helped him get through a very tough time.

"That made me feel really good. We're used to helping somebody with a bolt or a mailbox or whatever," said Steve. "And with Ed, we're helping him on a personal level."

"It's more than just a hardware store," said Ed. "It's a place with people who genuinely care."