Earlier today, August 4, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to Columbus, Ohio to surprise a family with the door knock that can change lives. Christmas is coming early to the hard-working, loving, joyous Rhodes family – a tight-knit family who have lived in their neighborhood for more than five generations. The Rhodes have always put family first. So when Grandpa James and Grandma Jackie’s (also known as the neighborhood’s beloved “Big Momma”) adult daughter, Makia, was diagnosed with a potentially deadly brain tumor, making her unable to work and in need of daily care, they did not hesitate to take Makia and her kids into their 941 square foot home.
Now there are seven people living in this small dilapidated home, and although Makia has made progress, she’s still experiencing mental delays and difficulties – so she relies on her parents’ support on a daily basis. Despite the incredibly cramped quarters and almost uninhabitable living conditions, the Rhodes family still manage to exude joy, laughter and love in an inspiring example of family devotion and sacrifice.
The “EM:HE” design team has just seven days to build a home that’s larger, safe and whose beauty reflects that of the family living within. The Rhodes family have been whisked away on a dream vacation to the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa while “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington, designers Michael Maloney, Tracy Hutson, Sabrina Soto and local builders P&D Builders, Ltd., as well as community volunteers, build the structure.
The build location is 1507 Dewey Avenue, Columbus, OH 43219.
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.