“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” DESIGN CREW SURPRISES THE JOHNSON-GOSLEE FAMILY IN MARDELA SPRINGS, MARYLAND

Earlier today, September 28, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to Mardela Springs, Maryland to surprise the Johnson-Goslee family with the door knock that can change lives.

A 16-year-old who inspires all who know him, Wyzhir Johnson-Goslee is smart and charismatic, and dreams of becoming an interior designer and construction worker because he has a knack for design and loves working with his hands. Tragically, on Christmas Eve 2010, Wyzhir suffered an accident that changed his life forever. After months of working diligently with his grandfather on improving areas of their family’s aging home, which is in a constant state of disrepair, the teenager’s coat sleeve was caught in the miter saw – severing his left hand. After more than 10 surgeries, doctors were unable to preserve his hand — but typical of Wyzhir, the loss didn’t diminish his positive outlook. He wanted to return to school right away and was determined to resume his daily life. Wyzhir’s incredible attitude – and the loving support of his mother, Patrice, sister Renee and aunt Sonora – helped him this new challenge head-on, without an ounce of self pity or defeat.

Wyzhir is a firm believer in the importance of giving back to his community and serves as a mentor through a program run by his high school. He is also passionate about the history of his town, and raising money for a local organization that is preserving an African-American school that was built in the 1800s. Simply put, Wyzhir has a heart for others and refuses to be pitied for what happened to him. He has every intention of making the most of the life he’s been given.

The house that Wyzhir has dedicated himself to renovating has been in their family for over 80 years and is in terrible shape. It’s not on an “in ground” foundation, but sits directly on the ground, which means that as the earth settles, the house follows suit. The ceilings are less than six feet high and none of the walls are level, so the home slopes in tiers. And due to insurmountable plumbing issues, there is no working shower or bathtub. So although he was doing his best to make this house a home, Wyzhir’s efforts were (and still are) being expended on a structure that is falling down around him.

The “EM:HE” design team has just seven days to build a brand new home for the Johnson-Goslee family – which not only meets the family’s needs, but exceeds them, with designs to help Wyzhir practice his talents and prepare for his dreams. The Johnson-Goslees have been whisked away on a dream vacation to Santa Barbara, California, while “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington, designers Michael Moloney, Paige Hemmis, Ed Sanders and Johnny Littlefield, along with local builder The Fusion Companies and community volunteers, build the structure.

The build location is 11500 Old School Road, Mardela Springs, MD 21837.

“EM:HE” is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.

“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” DESIGN CREW SURPRISES THE WALKER FAMILY IN SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

On September 11, Ty Pennington and the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” design team traveled to Springfield, Massachusetts to surprise the Walker family with the door knock that can change lives.

On April 6th, 2009, 11-year-old Carl Walker took his own life… forever changing the Walker family. Carl had told his mother, Sirdeaner Walker, about incidents of being bullied at school. Since his tragic death, the family have focused their energies on trying to help others by lobbying for new state and federal laws against bullying.

The Walker house is a living memory of the most horrific night in this family’s life. The 3rd floor is where Carl took his own life, and as a result, the family can’t bear the sadness of that floor. Now Sirdeaner and her two children sleep in the living room, on a couch and two rollaway beds. The grandmother, who also lives with them, can’t access the 2nd floor at all, as the stairs are impossible for her. The house itself is over 100 years old and in serious disrepair, with myriad structural, plumbing and electrical problems.

The “EM:HE” design team has just seven days to build a brand new home for the Walker family, a new facility that meets their current needs and also honors Carl in a positive way without the haunting memories of the 3rd floor. The Walkers have been whisked away on a dream vacation to Hollywood, while “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington, designers Michael Moloney, Tracy Hutson, Jillian Harris, John Littlefield and local builders N. Riley Construction, Inc. as well as community volunteers, build the house and bring together organizations to “stand together” in the fight against bullying.

The build location is 124 Northampton Ave, Springfield, MA  01109

“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.

“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” DESIGN CREW SURPRISES THE McPHAIL FAMILY IN MEDFORD, OREGON

Earlier today, September 7, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to Medford, Oregon to surprise the McPhail family with the door knock that can change lives.

As a young newly married couple, C.J. and Lindsay McPhail decided they wanted to spend their lives helping others. They started the Southern Oregon Chapter of Sparrow Clubs, a non-profit organization which helps children with medical issues (a.k.a. “Sparrows”) by pairing them with a school that adopts them as their school’s Sparrow. C.J. found himself speaking to students, businesses and anyone who would listen about the incredible power Sparrow Clubs give to both students and Sparrows. His abilities as a public speaker motivated thousands of students to raise funds, perform service work, and create programs all in the name of their Sparrow. Not only were C.J. and Linsday a part of raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for kids with medical needs, they were also able to help transform schools by challenging students to look beyond themselves and serve.

C.J. and Lindsay never imagined though they would one day need help from the very same organization they’d devoted so much of their time to. Soon after moving to Portland and running a chapter there, their oldest son, Sawyer, was diagnosed with a form of Autism and their second oldest son, Thatcher, began to show signs of Autism as well. With their children regressing, the family moved back to Medford to live on a 50-acre family property next to Lindsay’s parents. The boys showed great progress, but Sawyer still faced several challenges due to his lack of social cues. Much to the family’s surprise, Sawyer became a Sparrow, and through his endearing personality, he helped put a face on Autism and brought awareness to over 900 students in his adopted school. While their home property and the outdoors are great for the children’s progress, the house is not built for their needs. The electrical system is from 1958, and recently an outlet actually sparked and shot small flames! Rewiring would be difficult, since the home is made of cinderblock. The windows are all original and a safety hazard because they’re huge and not made of tempered glass. The plumbing is poor and leaks, creating mold in the bathrooms. Lastly, there is no heat in the back of the house. Only the kitchen, living room and front bedroom have ventilation, so the family is forced to rely on space heaters in the winter, which is extremely costly and not eco-friendly. Moving away from this house is financially impossible, and nothing they want to do anyway since the property is crucial to the boys’ progress.

The “EM:HE” design team has just seven days to build a brand new home for the McPhail family. The McPhails have been whisked away on a dream vacation to the new Aulani Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, while “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington, designers Paul DiMeo, Paige Hemmis, Ed Sanders and new designer comedian Jeff Dye, along with local builders Ark Built Renovations and community volunteers, build the structure.

The build location is 2255 Coker Butte Road Medford, OR 97504.

“EM:HE” is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.

EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION: Jubilee/Marshall Family, Part 1 – SEASON PREMIERE

“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” TEAMS UP WITH
FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA TO BUILD A NEW HOME FOR
THE MARSHALL FAMILY AND FOR HOMELESS FEMALE VETERANS

Mrs. Obama Gives Viewers and “EM: HE” Host Ty Pennington
A Tour of the White House Grounds

Special Two-Part Season Premiere of “EM: HE” Airs September 25 on ABC

“Jubilee/Marshall Family” – The iconic “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” returns for a ninth season with a special two-part premiere featuring an appearance by First Lady Michelle Obama. As part of her Joining Forces initiative, Mrs. Obama participated in the episode featuring the Marshalls, a military family based in Fayetteville, NC. The Season 9 premiere of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” airs SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 (7:00-8:00 & 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Barbara Marshall, a 15-year Navy Veteran, is fighting to end homelessness among her fellow female veterans. Barbara became passionately committed to her cause when she noticed that so many of our troops were living on the streets, this after risking their lives to protect their fellow Americans. Instead of just complaining about the situation, this formidable, no-nonsense woman decided to take action and established The Steps-N-Stages Jubilee House in Fayetteville, NC, using her own money. Jubilee House offers shelter, support and services such as mentoring and life coaching to homeless female veterans. Barbara’s life is dedicated to these women… they are her mission, her family, her passion. Unfortunately she can only do so much – Jubilee House needed additional space and resources to continue its work with the women.

The paratrooper team from the U.S. Army and other service members joined “EM: HE” host Ty Pennington and the gang to knock on the door of Jubilee House. They sent Barbara Marshall and her family to Walt Disney World, where they were the guests of honor at a military-family themed parade. During the parade, Mrs. Obama surprised the Marshalls and guests at the park with a video greeting from The White House, thanking Barbara for her support of homeless female veterans. Upon their return to Fayetteville, the Marshalls and hundreds of volunteers gathered to “Move that Bus” for the unveiling of the new Jubilee House. As everyone started to chant “Move that Bus,” the bus doors opened to reveal a team member who helped build the new Jubilee House, First Lady Michelle Obama.

Mrs. Obama, Ty Pennington and the “EM: HE” team of designers Paul DiMeo, Tracy Hutson, John Littlefield, Sabrina Soto, local builder Blue Ridge Log Cabins and community volunteers helped build the new Jubilee House.

The season premiere episode also features the “EM: HE” team knocking on the door of the most famous house in the nation – The White House. Mrs. Obama gives viewers a tour of the White House grounds and chats with host Ty Pennington in an exclusive one-on-one interview.

“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.

For more information on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” visit http://abc.go.com/shows/extreme-makeover-home-edition

“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” DESIGN CREW SURPRISES THE DUNNING FAMILY IN LEWES, DELEWARE

Earlier today, August 22, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to Lewes, Delaware to surprise the Dunning family with the door knock that can change lives. Dale Dunning founded “Jusst Sooup” while she was in college. She started off with a crock-pot and a hot plate, making soup for her classmates after theology class. Today Dale, along with husband Ken and son Brooks, wakes up at 2:00 a.m. every day to provide meals at 17 soup kitchens for those in need across the state of Delaware.

The Dunning family has firsthand knowledge of what it means to be down on your luck, having lost their home to foreclosure. They’ve since been living in a rental home that is basically a converted storage facility for “Jusst Sooup.” They store massive amounts of food, and their small home can’t contain it all. Their dream is to create the “Jusst Sooup Ranch,” which would be a house the Dunnings could move into and where they could run a large-scale kitchen to feed needy families across the state. It would also be a place that provides shelter, food and support for families in need, helping these families get back on their feet and enabling them to then invite other families to take their place in micro-homes on the property. Dale envisions “Jusst Sooup Ranch” having a garden, crops and a small farm to provide food for their soup kitchen.

They’ve since been living in a rental home that is basically a converted storage facility for “Jusst Sooup.” They store massive amounts of food, and their small home can’t contain it all. Their dream is to create the “Jusst Sooup Ranch,” which would be a house the Dunnings could move into and where they could run a large-scale kitchen to feed needy families across the state. It would also be a place that provides shelter, food and support for families in need, helping these families get back on their feet and enabling them to then invite other families to take their place in micro-homes on the property. Dale envisions “Jusst Sooup Ranch” having a garden, crops and a small farm to provide food for their soup kitchen.

The “EM:HE” design team has just seven days to build a brand new home for the Dunning family, one that provides a living area for the family, storage for food and supplies and land for expanding and realizing their dream of supporting multiple families. The Dunning family has been whisked away on a dream vacation, while “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington, designers Paige Hemmis, Michael Moloney, Sabrina Soto, John Littlefield and local builders Schell Brothers, as well as community volunteers, build the structure.

The build location is 28628 US Highway 9, Milton, Delaware.

The series is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.

“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” DESIGN CREW SURPRISES THE KORPAI FAMILY IN CRAWFORD, NEW YORK

Today, August 18, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to Crawford, New York, to surprise the Korpai family with the door knock that can change lives. After giving birth to a child with dwarfism, Jimmy and Darlene Korpai turned their attention to advocating for their little girl. As President and Vice President of the New York chapter of Little People of America, their goal is to erase ignorance, increase understanding and give families of little people support and help. On an even more personal level, they also dream of having a home that offers their daughter, Hailey, independence and autonomy, so she can grow from the happy-go-lucky, playful girl she is at this moment into a strong adult who can rely on herself and not let her size deter her from pursuing life with the same energy and joy she has now.

High school sweethearts Jimmy and Darlene Korpai had been planning their life together since they were both 17. They got married, bought a great piece of property with a two-story fixer-upper and got pregnant – all according to plan. Fifteen minutes after Hailey was born, Jimmy and Darlene’s carefully orchestrated future took a turn. They learned that their new baby girl had a form of dwarfism, and for weeks that was about all they knew. Information was hard to find and it took them months just to learn that there was a Little People support group in their area. Hailey is now 5, and the Korpais have added baby brother Hudson, 1, and a whole lot of advocacy to their lives. But they don’t have enough room in their home. More importantly, there are not the right kinds of rooms to keep Hailey safe, independent and happy, or to host functions and meetings for their organization. They dream of a home where Hailey can grow up with access to every aspect of their home – one which allows her the freedom and independence to do everyday things on her own like brushing her teeth, baking, turning off light switches, etc. The Korpai home is also the facility for the New York chapter of Little People of America, so there is a need for it to be one-story and wheelchair accessible to accommodate little people visitors as well as Hailey.

The “EM:HE” design team has just seven days to build a brand new home for the Korpai family, one that is safe, secure and accessible for little people. The Korpai family has been whisked away on a Disney Cruise vacation to the Bahamas, while “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington, designers Jillian Harris, Ed Sanders and Paul DiMeo, plus local builders Hearthstone Commercial & Residential Contracting, as well as community volunteers, build the structure.

The build location is 99 Petticoate Lane, Crawford, NY 12721.

The series is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.

EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION: Prewitt-Brewer Family (09/04)

IN A SPECIALLY-THEMED MOTHER’S DAY EPISODE,
“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” SERVES UP A NEW HOME FOR
A VOLLEYBALL COACH AND THREE YOUNG SISTERS IN CLAY COUNTY, FLORIDA
Ty Surprises Jillian and Michael When Their Mothers Come to Help;
Two-Time Olympic Medalist Misty May Steps in as Volleyball Coach for the Day

“Prewitt Brewer Family” – A specially-themed Mother’s Day episode celebrates a beloved volleyball coach who exemplifies what it means to be a mom. Carrie Prewitt from Middleburg, Florida, who never had children of her own, selflessly took three parentless sisters into her run-down but loving home at their moment of need. Helping out with building this family a new house will be two-time gold medalist in Olympic beach volleyball, Misty May, as well as two of the mothers of the “EM: HE” team, who all pitch in to make a new home that will match the colorful, creative personalities of its new inhabitants, on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on ABC. (Rebroadcast. OAD 5/8/11)

For the past 25 years, Carrie has been more than just a high school varsity volleyball coach; she has become a beloved member of her community by serving as a mentor, counselor, confidante and sometimes a second mom to some of her students. Two years ago, that mothering role became real when the parents of Ashley, Taylor and Gina Brewer passed away and there was the possibility that the girls might have to split up. Without hesitation, Carrie agreed to take into her home not just volleyball player Ashley, but also her two younger sisters. Carrie offered them all a secure home life, and is now their permanent guardian. But her small, run-down house does not properly accommodate them, and its crumbling walls make it unsafe, especially during hurricane season.

The old house is taken down with the one tool that Carrie Prewitt knows how to wield better than any other — the volleyball. Volleyball players spike balls through windows, and a cannon shoots frozen volleyballs at 600 mph throughout the house. Just before demolition, some of the design team get surprise help from none other than their own moms: Michael is stunned and Jillian gets teary-eyed when Ty reveals that both of their moms have come to help out for the week. While the Prewitt Brewers are on vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Misty May surprises Carrie Prewitt’s current volleyball team by stepping in as coach for a day. Along with Michael, they take over a practice at the high school.
The design team for this episode features team leader Ty Pennington, designers Michael Moloney, Jillian Harris and Tracy Hutson. Local builders Ark Remodeling and Construction, J.A. Long Design Builders and community volunteers also helped to build the new home.

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It is executive-produced by Brady Connell and George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. This program carries a TV-PG parental guideline.

For more information on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” visit ABC.com.

“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” DESIGN CREW SURPRISES THE RHODES FAMILY IN COLUMBUS, OHIO

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.

“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” DESIGN CREW SURPRISES THE HILL FAMILY IN OTTAWA, KANSAS

Yesterday, July 31, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to Ottawa, Kansas, to surprise the Hill family with the door knock that can change lives. Staff Sergeant Allen Hill was almost killed by a massive roadside bomb while serving in Iraq. He has recovered from the physical wounds, but is still haunted by injuries that we can’t see. Environmental triggers such as loud noises, dimly lit spaces and long hallways can bring about episodes of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Some of these episodes are particularly dangerous, as they can send the Sergeant running for cover; one of his family’s greatest fears is that he will run into the street during an episode and be killed. The Sergeant has just completed years-long inpatient PTSD treatment far from home, and is ready to return. Unfortunately, environmental triggers abound in his former home: The house he once lived in is near a rock quarry, where there are constant dynamite blasts, and there’s a train yard that is a perpetual source of terrifying noises and vibrations. For Sergeant Hill to be reunited with his family, he needs a new home — one built in a suitable location.

Oscar-winning actress Glenn Close personally nominated the Hill family for this “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” episode. She founded a non-profit organization, Bring Change 2 Mind, when her sister was struggling with bipolar disorder; the foundation educates and raises awareness about mental illness and offers support both financially and emotionally for families who suffer from mental illness, including PTSD. Close has been heavily involved in the Puppies Behind Bars program, which employs prisoners to train service dogs for wounded vets. Sergeant Hill’s new service dog from Puppies Behind Bars, Frankie, has helped him make significant strides toward wellness and has become his lifeline.

Bring Change 2 Mind sourced an appropriate piece of land and has helped arrange its donation for the Hills’ new house. Now the “EM:HE” design team has just seven days to build that brand-new home. The Hill parents and their two sons have been whisked away on a dream vacation to Yosemite while “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington and designers Paul DiMeo, Paige Hemmis, Ed Sanders and Johnny Littlefield, as well as local builders M.A.C. Corporation and Canyon Creek Construction, LLC and community volunteers, build the structure.

The build location is 11 Wheatland Dr., Ottawa, KS 66067.

“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.

“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” DESIGN CREW SURPRISES THE RUCKER FAMILY IN MADISON, GEORGIA

Yesterday, July 10, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to Madison, Georgia, to surprise the Rucker family with the door knock that can change lives. Anaiah Rucker is a smart, fun, athletic, sweet, straight-A student with the dream of attending Harvard and becoming a doctor or lawyer, though she will be a fifth grader this fall. That dream was threatened on February 4, 2011 when Anaiah, then just 9 years old, saved her 5-year-old sister, Camry, by pushing her out of the path of an oncoming truck. Anaiah was struck herself, leaving her with massive, life-threatening injuries. Undaunted by these injuries, she has endured the amputation of her left leg and grueling rehab to get her body back in shape so she can continue playing sports, singing in the chorus, and working hard at her studies. Happy to have her best friend and sister Camry safe and sound, Anaiah and her family are focused on her getting well and making her stronger than ever, which is a challenge because she is currently wheelchair bound.

Loved by all who know her, Anaiah has been showered with affection and support by her small town community of Madison. The town has rallied around this heroine, helping her family in any way they can. Kids at school have sold “bottle cap” necklaces, community groups have had barbecues and perfect strangers have given Anaiah a helping hand and well wishes. Her story has been heard “’round the world” as celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres and Dwight Howard have reached out to her. Despite many challenges, the family is tighter than ever, and mom Andrea is grateful that both of the daughters she adores are still here. Although they have few resources, they still retain a positive, upbeat, inspiring attitude.

Andrea loves kids – she says her two beautiful daughters are her “whole life” – and despite her time limitations, she extends that love of children by volunteering at the local Boys & Girls Club. This affords her more time with her girls, as well as letting her get to know the kids in her community. Andrea would love to establish programs at the Boys & Girls Club for mothers and mentoring programs for young girls.

The EM:HE design team has just seven days to build a brand new home for Anaiah and her family, one that is safe, secure, ADA-accessible and free of obstacles, where the girls can continue to study hard and pursue their dreams. The Rucker family has been whisked away on a dream vacation to Walt Disney World, while “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington, designers Paige Hemmis, Michael Moloney, Xzibit, and local builders Pilot Homes and Smart Properties, as well as community volunteers, build the structure.

The build location is 1000 Churchill Ave, Madison, Georgia.

The series is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.

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