Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Apply Now – ABC
Leave a comment below and tells us why you should be part of the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Apply Now – ABC Audition and Casting Call in 2012
Extreme Makeover:Home Edition
Extreme Makeover, the fantastically popular reality program hosted by Ty Pennington is looking for families and communities for their next round of fantastic renovations! In just seven short days you and your family or community could be enjoying a completely remolded home, school or community center.
Does your family have a compelling and heartwarming story? Does your school or community center need a re-haul ? You could be featured in an upcoming episode! Millions of people watch this touching program every week and now they could be watching you. Auditions and casting calls will be going on soon for the all new season of Extreme Makeover so submit yourself or someone you knwo today.Here is the application information: a.abc.com/media/primetime/xtremehome/apply/EMHEApplicationS7.pdf Be sure to leave a comment below and stay tuned for all of the exciting updates.
Every family and community has a story, this is your chance to share it with the world.
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Hi Extreme Home Make Over Team!!!!!!! My name is Shannon May Jackson and I’m from Cache, Oklahoma. I currently live in Oklahoma City & work for the Edmond Police Department as a 911 dispatcher. My parents and little brother still live in Cache in the same house my mom has had since she was 18 years old. Where to begin…. Well my little brother just turned twelve and has an extremely bright future ahead of him. He has been talking about wanting to either be a Marine Biologist or a weapons engineer for the U.S. Military on day. I have been trying to save money so I can pay for his college one day, but it has been difficult to do. My parents have struggled to pay for my college education and I plan on repaying them for it by putting my little brother through college. Besides my little brother and I there are three other children that are out of the house and starting families of their own. My parents are straight shooting, loyal, hard-working, honest, respectable, loving and generous people. They are always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. Our neighbor found out she had leukemia and my parents helped look after their house and two boys until they could come home from Houston. The lady across the street has been like family to us for years and years and my parents take her dinner almost every night and pay for her cable every month. They give to charities and give blood every chance they get. My parents work at the local Goodyear Tire Plant in Lawton. My mom has been there for 25 years and my stepdad has been there for 17 years. They work 12 hour shifts and both of their jobs are quite laborious. They are hoping to retire within the next 10 years but I am afraid this will not happen due to debt. My parents have worked their bodies to death to make sure we all had food on the table, clothes on our backs, and a roof over our heads. Within the past couple years I have become more and more concerned with their financial situation. I am not sure how much retirement they have saved up, but I do know that the house is falling apart around them and the mortgage will be existent for quite a few more years. The bathroom has mold all over it, the ceiling in the garage is about to cave in, the carpet is tattered and stained, the washer, dryer, and refrigerator keep breaking, and there just isn’t enough money to repair the house and pay the mortgage. Sometimes I wish my parents would move to a new home and start over, but this is the house my mother has raised all of her children in and we have so many precious memories in this home.
When I say my parents I mean my biological mother and my stepfather. They married 13 years ago when I was 8 years old. My biological father went to prison when I was twelve and passed away last year while on death row. I was a complete daddy’s girl, even after he went away, but my stepfather has been nothing short of absolutely amazing and a significant father figure in my life. The reason I bring all of this up is because at times I feel guilty for my mom still owing as much on the house as she did when she bought it in 1982. My parents were married for about 10 years and when they split my father had dug my mom so far into debt and made her refinance the house to pay him a large sum of money. He is gone now and my mother has forgiven him for anything and everything he has ever done, but I would love nothing more than to be able to help my mom since my father is not here to make things right.
It would be the most amazing blessing my family has ever received to have their home made over! I want them to let their hair down and put their feet up for once. I want them to know that my little brother will go to college and the lack of finances will not be a problem. I want my mom to be able to buy a new shirt if and when she wants to. I want my parents to be proud of their home when we have family get-togethers. Most of all, I want my parents to be able to be there for my children and my sister and brothers children. Goodyear is hard on their bodies and hard on their minds. Regardless, we are a strong family with strong faith and we’ll make it but I just hope & pray every single day that they will one day be able to enjoy life and not have to worry about the mortgage and whether or not the mold in the bathroom is harmful.
Thank you for your time & PLEASE MAKE OVER OUR HOUSE!!!! YAY!!!!! (:
HI my name is Hubet Marvel ,call me Buck. My wife and I have7kids and 11 grandkids. We are a Military Family . I am 100% Disabled ,Retired from the Army. I have seizers. My wounderful wife Lezli Does the best she can to take care of me and all of our kids . Her Brother Just passed away from a motorcycle accident and we now are raising his son Kasey , Our son Shawn has had 2 tours to Iraq. our Daughter Jodi just finished a tour to Afganstain , our son in law David did 2 tours in Iraq as well . The stress with all of my kids only makes my seizers worse. we rent a home not nearly big enough for our Older kids to come home and visit , And living on the retired pay I receive is tough enough . Lezli cant go to work due to having to take care of me and the younger kids . I know in my heart that God has a Plan for us and that you guys could help our familyhave a home that is paid for with plenty of room for everyone, maby even with Padded walls and floors for when I fall so I wont Kill my self or hert her while she tries to catch me. I am a Big Man.Please try and give my family some relief . I have proof of all my medical records and my kids tours to war and the courts giving us custody of our nephew.Thanks so much Extrem Makeover for helping so many people in need And God bless all of you for what you do. Hubert Marvel
Hello Ty & Team, My name is Amber Bjorn, and I'm from Warren, Michigan. My dad has a brain tumor, & severe nerve damage in his arms, spine, and neck. He is so depressed, cause doctors say he could die, and the mass in his brain has tripled in size over the last 3 years. And we just bought a house and it needs a lot of work. And he says he wants his kids and wife to have something in case he does or wakes up from one of his surgeries and not know who his family is. So please Ty & team this would be the most amazing thing in the world to us.
Good morning, I am and have been a traveling missionary/evangelist for the past 19 soon to be 20 years. I met a lady in 1998 mother Percell DObbin who lives in NC. At the time we met it was because I had no place to live she only knew me through her sister at the time. Well long story short she is a widow and receives less than $900.00 per month. She has always took people in and fed them when they were in need. She went as far as to tell me some years ago for as long as she has a home and I am finished with my missionary assignment she will always make a room for me. I'v only had my own place to live with the keys 2 times in almost 20 years. Mother Percell only have 2small bedrooms and 1bathroom. Now she is hosting her grandchildren because they had to leave where they were living. I made a vow to God in 2003 and said that if I were ever able to bless her with better I would or make my plea to outside people that could help her. In doing this great honor for her I know I would be the blessed even more. What good things we make happen for others God will make happen for us. Your attention to my hearts request is greatly appreciated.
Hello Ty and the etreme dream team, this letter is in hopes of a home to be built for my mother, an uncle and myself. This may not be news or show worthy but this is my last resort. I know that some people are tired of hearing about Hurricane Katrina, but they are those that are still hurting and my mother Edith is one of them. My mother is my rock and to look at her now, well here is our story. My mother's home was near the lakefront area and we were told that she had 14ft or more of water. My mother is blind in one eye, deaf in one ear, she is a cancer survivor and lost one lung because of it. She also has asthma and emphysema. She uses a breathing machine and a breathing pump when needed. My dad died in 2010 from Sepsis, a blood thickening disease and having Alzheimers. Even as his health started to fail, he would look at me with his beautiful grey eyes, and say; baby please find a way to get daddy back home. Well that did not happen. I had my dad cremated because of financial reasons but even in doing this, I pray that I would be able to one day, bring him home, to the city he knew and loved. I was working (2) full time jobs at the time of the storm. I was a Deputy Sheriff with the Criminal Sheriff Dept. and I was a Security Counselor with the School Board. The day before the storm, we were allowed to leave to get (3) days of clothing, secure our homes and either bring our family members to the facility or make sure they were in a safe enviornment. With all of their health problems, bringing them to the jail, was not an option. I'd been paying close attention to the news and I knew that staying at home alone, would also not be an option for me with my parents. So, I had a relative from Baton Rouge, come and get them. Thank God I did because they would not have survived. I was introdouced to a contractor from a family friend and secured him to rebuild my mother's home. Well he received some funds and all we have to show it is, some cinder blocks and some lumber, that has now been stolen and given to a neighbor in lieu of having the lot grass cut. Now my mother does not have enough funds left to have her home buiilt. Many contractors are still working to build homes in the New Orleans area but they seem to be concentrating on an area known as the 9th Ward. My mother has agreed to give her remaning funds to the Extreme Team and anything else we have to secure a home being built for her. To continue to share the rest of this story online would be very long, so I've done a short version. The only things required for the home is, it would need to be handicap accessible, my mother's bathroom would need to have a walk in type tub and very good ventilation, due to her breathing problems. Since elevation would be needed, her using her wheel chair would need to be considered. I am about to become a caregiver of another relative and his sight is failing, so this would need to be taken into consideration. The only thing I ask for myself is, that I have a room to exercise and a bathroom inside my bedroom. The other thing I would like is, to gift new carpet and new light fixtures for the church I belong to here in Baton Rouge. They have been my main support system and my encouragement when needed, which seems to be often. Thank you for all that you do. Whether we are chosen or not, thank you and I pray that the Lord continue to bless and surround you, with the people that make it possible to help all the people that you help. Sincerely, Lynette
Good morning to all !! My name is Tiffaney Morgan… I am 31 years old and a stay at home Mom to a boy and girl. We have 4 whom live in a two bedroom, 2 bath mobile home…. My husband Dave is 34 and is the bread winner for our family… He is deaf, but that doesn't stop him grom providing for us… If anything, he is out inspiration. It helps us get through our son's ups and downs… Talia is 4 and she understands that Dave Jr. I is special…. She helps Dave Jr. When she sees him struggling. The reason I wanted to apply for the casting call is because I have a son, whom has Asperger's Syndrome. Dave Jr. was diagnosed with Asperger's in his KG year in 2010. It tore my world apart. I knew there was something wrong early on, but his Dr. Never diagnosed him with anything… We even had Project Prints come out because Lil' Dave couldn't walk until he was 18 months old…. This service was provided from our Health Department….. Once he started walking, they didn't see the need to continue services…. He woul always flap his hands, or when the wind would blow and the weather would change, it would affect him….
We really need a bigger space…. The two children are sharing a room at this point…. We have so many medical bills… My husband got a steak lodged in his throat 2 years ago, and had to go to the ER. He couldn't hardly breath or swallow his own salivia… I thought we were going to lose him… That was so scary to see my husband suffering and I couldn't do anything about it. The ER Dr. finally got the meat out…. They said it looked like 3 weeks worth of food accumulated in his throat…. It was so scary….
I wish we could afford a home that would benefit our son with his Hyperstimulation to te environment…. It makes my husband feel like we are failures…. I can imagine a room with lava lamps and calming features all over Dave Jr.'s room…. Dave Jr. and Talia share a room and my husband and I have the other room. Our family would really appreciate it if you guys choose us for the MakeOver !!
I always wanted to give back and to make things righted blankets for children in our community… We don't have much information in our area… More and more children are being diagnosed with Autism in our community.
My parents bought a 2 bedroomn bungalow 52 years ago when they were married. My stay at home mom raised 5 kids while my dad worked as many an 3 jobs at a time and literaly raised the roof all by himself. As the family grew, so did the house. This way and that way. As the children all grew up and moved out, my parents rented the upstairs out for income. (With dad being 88 and mom 70 they really don't do stairs anymore.) One year ago last May, my sister passed away throughout the night and that same day my brother was diagnosed with leukemia. Talk about feeling numb and being in total shock. Shortly there after, my father lost his vision to wet macular degeration. My mother has never driven so they are definitily shut in now. Then last June my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy June 22nd. She is scheduled to start radiation therapy next Wednesday, September 19th. Two weeks ago my dad smelled gas and called the fire department. They came to the house and found a gas leak. While there, they noticed several violations to the fire code and have since served my parents with a two page document of deficiencies that need to be corrected or they can face huge fines, and/or jail time. The letter so much as mentions condemning the house? My father is convinced he can fix the house but at 88 years of age and with hardly any vision THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE!!! My mother has been having such a hard time coming to grips with her cancer and her upcoming treatments that with this to add to her worries is just too overwhelming! It would be a dream come true to see my parents living back in a 2 bedroomn bungalow, with even floors so my dad is able to get around and built to code so my mother isn't worried she is going to come home from her cancer treatment and end up on the street!
Hello my name is Deanna. I am married and live in a house the is infested with roaches and the landlord will not do anything.As a result, we just got our kids taken off of us due to the living conditions. We do have another house the we have it is just not suitable for our kids. The drywall came down in the house and it needs alot of work.it would mean a great deal if you could help us so we can get our kids back and start a better life. Hope to heear from you. Thanks
Dear ABC,
Hi my name is Adam Cathcart. I am a child of 5. I have an older brother and 3 younger sisters. My mother has been sick for many years with fibromyalga. Many people do not believe that it is a real illness or that their is anything wrong with her. She is unable to work or help support us. My step-dad works with a trucking company as a truck driver that takes advantage of him. He works all the time and sometimes doesnt get payed for the work he does. He barely makes over 30,000 a year for a famly of 7. He was out of work this past year for awhile because he has seizures. I also just had seizures.We are in the process of getting evicted of our home because we can not make the paymetns. We rent from someone, well my grandparents pay for the rent because we can not do so. I go to college but might have to stop going to help pay bills and take care of my sisters. My vehicle is falling apart and I fight each weak to come up with a way to have gas money to get back and forth for college. We are in a very bad situation. Please Please Please help my family. We do not know what else to do. My family has always helped others who need it as in taking in friends when they have needed a place to stay or whatever it may be but now we can't even do it for ourselves. I pray you help us. Please.
Hello Extreme makeover team! My name is Chelsea. I volunteer at a local animal shelter in Perry county IL. We have about 20 dogs and about 10 cats. The place is in horrible condition. As you probably know we have to clean it daily. We do not have a drain system therefore the water and mess that we clean out of the kennels just sits there. We are constantly spraying for bugs and cleaning up really nasty messes. The cat room is so small that the odor from them just lingers throughout the whole building. They don't get much room to play or run around. Now to the dogs. Their kennels are very small. They don't have much room either. Most of them are falling apart, and we don't have the money to just build more. The bottom of the front of the kennels are completely rusted due to the water just sitting on the concrete. We do all we can to keep the water from going in the kennels with the animals. Due to water and the mess they make we have flies and bees everywhere. As soon as you walk out the doors to the outside kennel doors you just get swarmed with flies. Its not only irritating its nasty. Its also very unhealthy for the dogs. The are constantly getting bit, and I know its very irritating for them as well. Now to outside. We have a pretty good size yard. We have 4 outside pens they get to play in everyday. They take turns getting to go outside for a while, but the pens are not that big. They are also falling apart. We have cinder blocks up against them to help them stand and so the little dogs can't get out of them. As you probably know we are volunteer based. No one gets any money for helping. We are always looking for ways to get donations, and help others. We are very appreciative of what we have got and what may come in the future. Ty the dogs and our volunteer team are ready to scream MOVE THAT BUS!!!!!
Hello Extreme makeover team! My name is Chelsea. I volunteer at a local animal shelter in Perry county IL. We have about 20 dogs and about 10 cats. The place is in horrible condition. As you probably know we have to clean it daily. We do not have a drain system therefore the water and mess that we clean out of the kennels just sits there. We are constantly spraying for bugs and cleaning up really nasty messes. The cat room is so small that the odor from them just lingers throughout the whole building. They don't get much room to play or run around. Now to the dogs. Their kennels are very small. They don't have much room either. Most of them are falling apart, and we don't have the money to just build more. The bottom of the front of the kennels are completely rusted due to the water just sitting on the concrete. We do all we can to keep the water from going in the kennels with the animals. Due to water and the mess they make we have flies and bees everywhere. As soon as you walk out the doors to the outside kennel doors you just get swarmed with flies. Its not only
Hello extreme Makeover team.
My name is Michael, I am 18 years old and I have a story for you guys,
in 2006 my mom went to the hospital because she was delirious and wasn't moving. After roughly 3 months I got a call that changed my life, they said after millions of tests one came back positive. She was diagnosed with poliomyelitis syndrome west Nile. After 10 months in hospitals and rehab hospitals she got to come home. Since then I have basically become the way she lives. She can barely move and cannot do most normal activities. We currently live in a small apartment and are having issues with its size. If you can help in anyway I would appreciate it
My name is Gena Bolton, I am 44 years old. 12 years ago I was diagnosed with autoimune hemolitic anima, perpheria of the liver, and kiddney nephroses. My ex-husband was court ordered out of the state of florida for abuse. I have went through hell the past 10 years. My oldested daughter and her husband and there 1 year old baby live with me. Her husband was released from the military with a honerable discharge and now working at a small resturant close to home to provide for his family. I also have an 18 year old that I am trying to get financial aid for to go to college to be a vet assistant. I live in a 30 year old double wide trailer which needs a lot of work. Doing what I can but on disablility salary, its almost impossable. I have watched so many of your epasodes and have only dreamed of having you come to my home and make it a dream home. If there is any way you can help me, Me and my family would greatly apprechiat it. Thank you for letting me tell my story.
Hi my name is Susan Winters. My daughter Kiera, just turned 4 on May 17. She got diagnosed with Leukemia May 30. It was a shock. We have a 2 year old son Tristan too. Kiera battling leukemia got a bacteria infection in which sent her into the ICU and she underwent 5 cardiac arrests which gave her a stroke to her right side brain. Kiera is still .etcfighting everyday infections meningitis to receive chemo. Kiera is wheelchair bound needs a lot of equipment and we need a ramp and house that is wheelchair accessible. Kiera can not go upstairs. It will be a battle everyday medications with mg tube to treat.
her with no immune system. We are struggling with bills not just medical but mortgage and car payments. We need to have a home where Kiera can feel safe and not worry about anything. We are afraid we are going to lose everything. Can you please help us. Thank you. Susan Winters
struggling with mortgage. Car payment
Hi, My name is Sommer I live with my mom and my sister. I'm 12 and my sister is 6,I am a cancer surviver and I was diagnosed with ALL when I was 7. They don't know the cause of it but my mom thinks its are location. We live by a steel mill, and ConocoPhillips which are industrial company's . My little sister is visual impaired and wears glasses and may never be able to drive because her eyes. We have mold in are house ( may be black mold th contracter said). Our bathroom ceiling is filling up with water because we have holes in our roof and has cracks an a lot of water stains. We can barely breath most of the time downstairs because that's where the mold is. My mom doesnt have a job and has a autoimmune disease and has broken many bones. We have a lot of problems with the people around us and we have a lot of spaces in between walls where critters can get is we have possums (we caught on video). My mom is divorced (almost). I just wanted to try and help my mom because she just had her birthday and the house is getting worse. If you guys could help us I would be like amazed. Thanks for listening:)
Hello we are the McLendon family of 5 and we live in Charlotte, NC. We moved here in 2006 and since then things have not been going so well for us. We lost our rental property 1 yr ago due to the owners wanting to sell and since than we have been staying in 2bd rm 1 bath appt to try to save money to buy a home. Well in 2012 we finally had the opportunity to buy and home but its a fixer upper. We as a family never asked for any handouts and at some point was even to proud to ask for help but this house is beyond what we can do alone. Everything about this house is not up to code or falling apart. We are a very ambious family so we felt this would not be to hard of task. My husband is self employed as a automotive mechanic and I am a independent phlebotomist. We are facing so much hardship right now because my husband is at risk of losing his business due the economy so we dont have the income to fix the home because we are trying to save the business. Our mission as a family is to help people in our community to transition through life with basic skill to succeed and play a role in the community to help others when they are doing well. Right now we have been helping families with housing, food, counseling and spiritual inspiration. We love helping the community but all of our efforts are begining to take a tow on us because we cant afford to help because of our own situation. We are givers of our time, space and love. We are trying to hard to continue to be effective even though we are limited so much. My husband and I desire so much to give our children a home. It feels like even with all of our giving we cut our children short and it is heart breaking. They always expressed to us that we deserve better as a family because we help so many people. In a since they wonder why God allow us to struggle so much to survive when we help anyone that need help. Help make us believe that we are a deserving family because for so long we have always felt that we could never be as lucky as the people we watch on your show.
My name is KeM I am a 36 newlywed. My husband and I have 7 children between us with 5 that would actually be in our home if it were big enough. One child has speech apraxia and another has Aspergers/ADHD/Bipoler with Explosive episodes. We are still living seperately and due to that fact we are unable to make the necissary repairs/additions to my single family home that was built in 1880. There is 1860sq ft but the basement level is not liveable, there is only one bathroom and though I have put in a lot of work to my home which I am proud to own free and clear, there is a lot to be done outside of our financial ability. Please consider helping this family become one… Thank You
I am a daughter of a military vet from Canton, Ohio who has served this country honorably. Sadly to say she was discharge with a honorable medical general discharge due to a genetic blood clotting disorder that she didn't know she was born with till 2008. Since then we have found out this has been passed from my grandmother, to my mother, and now to me. This condition could also be passed genetically on to any future grandchildren. She is a single mother of 5 sons of the ages 23 (with a baby on the way), 21, 15, 11, and 6, and 1 daughter age 20 (with a baby on the way.) And grandbabies that are both due in April 2013. She also owns 6 dogs and 1 cat. I have 2 brothers that are over the age of 18 that currently do not reside at home due to the lack of bedrooms and space. I have 3 younger brothers that live at home, 2 of them are severe ADHD-ODD. Mom and they receive SSD and SSI which are her only forms of income that are used to pay for any expenses that consist of all the utilities, mortgage, property taxes, insurance, food, and sports for my brothers. This leaves nothing left for maintenance or repairs to home or vehicle. This is currently down and too small for current family size and future family members. Mom really needs a new home and a new vehicle. Mom’s home is at least 180 years old. The problems pile up by the day. This of course frustrates my mom, because she knows the house needs to be safe for every ones well being, including hers. Mom also has on sets a genitive disk disease to her lower back which causes her to be in severe pain on a daily basis. Everything is crumbling around her. The walls are old plaster. The wiring is old knob and tube with some updated wiring, but that doesn’t help when the breakers are always being blown, lighting is horrible, there are surge bars and extension cords everywhere, there is no closet space, there is not enough bedrooms, low duct work in basement which causes us to hit our heads, basement leaks and has signs of mold growing on it, attic steps are steep and broken in places, there is 1 light for a full size attic which makes it hard to look for anything or for mom to get to anything up there. The house is very drafty and cold in the winter even with the thermostat is set at 80 which is not healthy. In the summer it’s like a sauna throughout the whole house reaching temperatures over 100 degrees. Floors are uneven and creak. The carpet is falling apart which has been in the house way before mom bought it so we don't even know how old it is but the padding has decentergrated from under our feet. No matter how much we clean and vacuum the house stays dusty and we are always sneezing. This does not help my mom or my brother’s ears, nose and throat issues. Not to mention that the foundation of the house is made of sandstone. Needless to say it is crumbling when you touch it, makes the basement leak and the house could collapse at anytime. My mom has lived here for 18 years and does not have any intentions of moving elsewhere. She plans to keep the property within the family if something was to ever happen to her. She has done her best to keep up with all the repairs but it never seems to ever subside. Sometimes the repair is beyond her means and knowledge and does not have the money to have a professional come in and fix or replace the issue. The layout of mom’s house prevents paramedics to properly get to her or any other family member within the house if they would need to use a gurney. My mom is nonstop. She is very active with all of kids, she volunteers as a room mom and a home room rep organizer, organizes and sets up Santa workshops in the school. Also has us kids get involved with her or the community helping others with home improvements through an organization called Hammer and Nails. My wish would be to take away all of my mother’s pain and worries that she has. She has done so much for us kids. Would you please help me do something for her? She truly deserves this. Thank you so much for taking the time to review my story. This is only a summary as to what we live and deal with on a daily basis. Kandace Schuster and the Schuster Family
I am a daughter of a military vet who has served this country honorably. Sadly to say she was discharge with a honorable medical general discharge due to a genetic blood clotting disorder. This has been passed from my grandmother, to my mother, and now to me. This condition could also be passed genetically on to any future grandchildren. She is a single mother of 5 sons of the ages 23 (with a baby on the way), 21, 15, 11, and 6, and 1 daughter age 20 (with a baby on the way.) And grandbabies that are both due in April 2013. She also owns 6 dogs and 1 cat. I have 2 brothers that are over the age of 18 that currently do not reside at home due to the lack of bedrooms and space. I have 3 younger brothers that live at home, 2 of them are severe ADHD-ODD. Mom and they receive SSD and SSI which are her only forms of income that are used to pay for any expenses that consist of all the utilities, mortgage, property taxes, insurance, food, and sports for my brothers. This leaves nothing left for maintenance or repairs to home or vehicle. This is currently down and too small for current family and future family members. Mom really needs a new home and a new vehicle. Mom’s home is at least 180 years old. The problems pile up by the day. This of course frustrates my mom, because she knows the house needs to be safe for every ones well being, including hers. Mom also has on sets a genitive disk disease to her lower back which causes her to be in severe pain on a daily basis. Everything is crumbling around her. The walls are old plaster. The wiring is old knob and tube with some updated wiring, but that doesn’t help when the breakers are always being blown, lighting is horrible, there are surge bars and extension cords everywhere, there is no closet space, there is not enough bedrooms, low duct work in basement which causes us to hit our heads, basement leaks, attic steps are steep and broken in places, there is 1 light for a full sized attic which makes it hard to look for anything or for mom to get to anything up there. The house is very drafty and cold in the winter even with the thermostat is set at 80 which is not healthy. In the summer it’s like a sauna throughout the whole house reaching temperatures over 100 degrees. Floors are uneven and creak. The carpet is falling apart. No matter how much we clean and vacuum the house stays dusty and we are always sneezing. This does not help my mom or my brother’s ears, nose and throat issues. Not to mention that the foundation of the house is made of sandstone. Needless to say it is crumbling when you touch it, makes the basement leak and the house could collapse at anytime. My mom has lived here for 18 years and does not have any intentions of moving elsewhere. She plans to keep the property within the family if something was to ever happen to her. She has done her best to keep up with all the repairs but it never seems to ever subside. Sometimes the repair is beyond her means and knowledge and does not have the money to have a professional come in and fix or replace the issue. The layout of mom’s house prevents paramedics to properly get to her or any other family member within the house if they would need to use a gurney. My mom is nonstop. She is very active with all of kids she volunteers as a room mom and a home room rep organizer, organizes and sets up Santa workshops in the school. Also has us kids get involved with her or the community helping others with home improvements through an organization called Hammer and Nails. My wish would be to take away all of my mother’s pain and worries that she has. She has done so much for us kids. Would you please help me do something for her? She truly deserves this. Thank you so much for taking the time to review my story. This is only summary as to what we live and deal with on a daily basis.
Kandace Schuster Sept 10, 2012
HELLO MY NAME IS MISSY AND IM WRITING THIS FOR MY MOM SHE IS IN HER 50'S AND THE REASON WHY I AM WRITING THIS IS BECAUSE ALL MY LIFE MY MOTHER HAS TAKEN CARE OF ME AND MY 2 SISTER AND NOW SHE IS TAKING CARE OF HER 3 GRANDCHRILDREN AND HAVING A VERY HARD TIME.SHE HAS HAD CANCER SHE HAS HAD STROKES AND HEART ATTACKS AND SHE ALSO NOW HAS CANCER AGAIN SHE STRUGGLES WITH EVERYTHING I JUST KNOW IN MY HEART THAT SHE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE HER HOME MADE OVER SHE DOES DESERVE IT SHE IS A VERY GOOD MOTHER SHE JUST HAS A HARD TIME WE LIVE IN A 3 BEDROOM WITH 7 PEOPLE IN THE HOUSE SHE ALSO TAKES CARE OF HER SISTER THAT HAS A MIND OF A 3 YEAR OLD SHE HAS BEEN TAKING CARE OF HER FOR 28 YEARS EVER SINCE THERE MOTHER PASTER AWAY……PLEASE IF YOU ALL CAN FIND IT IN YOUR HEARTS TO COME TO COLUMBUS GA AND MAKEOVER HER HOME SHE WILL MELT AND BE THE HAPPYIEST PERSON ALIVE…SHE ALSO HAS TO HAVE SURGERY AGAIN IN 2 WEEKS TO REMOVE MORE CANCER…..I HOPE TO HEAR BACK SOON FROM YOU ALL
I live in an upscale community, but our house is very small and old, and in need of repair. I just put a tarp on the roof to brace for the upcoming rain. the kitchen ceiling will cave in soon if any more water seeps in. I am a teacher and love the kids I teach. My husband, son, and I love our home. It is on 3 beautiful acres five minutes from Portland, Maine. My father died last year and I have no room for my mom to come live with us. I cannot afford an addition. Our house would be an excellent before and after show for viewers. I dream of going up and out in an ell, making a new bedroom, bathroom, and living room for my mom. I would love the opportunity to provide a better home for him as he grows up. Please consider me for your show.
My name is Emily Jew, I am 17 Years old. I am 1 of 4 kids but is the only one living with my parents. My family has gone through a lot individually. My sister's first husband died of leukemia and testicular cancer,WHILE she was 3 months pregnant with twins, my mom and dad got laid off from their jobs and my dad has been going on through serious depression and paying for weekly sessions for counseling puts a serious hole in my parents pocket. My mom has tried starting her own business but hasn't had any luck so far; As my father, I too have depression. I'm asking you to pick my family because we are the average family trying to survive in this economy. There isn't anything special with my family besides the love and compassion their hearts give people. My dad had ankle surgery on both ankles and it wasn't much of a success and it is VERY difficult to have him go up and down our stairs as well as doing yard work. Since my dad's job is only a temp. job, he has been having troubles finding a PERMANENT job. Anyone that grew up in one house their whole life knows how hard it is to give it up. I am going off to college in a year, and I just really want a place for my parents to be happy in. They are committed members of our church and give people in our congregation money who need it more than us. But I think the time has come where they are the ones that need something back. I'm sure that if you met my family you sure would fall in love with us; We always put people before us and that's how I was raised. I know that my story isn't NEARLY as heartfelt as other people that really need it, but all I am asking for is a chance. If there is anything that you could possibly do for my family, we would be forever grateful! I want my parents to be just as happy as the people they help.
Sincerely,
Emily Jew
I am writing reguarding a difficult situation that Darrel and Amy Rogerson are facing. Amy and Darrel were married in 2008 and prior to that Amy had a stroke which left her impaired on her left side. On April 2, 2012 Amy intered the hospital for a knee replacement. Things went well for a short time and then she got three really bad infections. Amy has CREST disease which makes it harder for her to heal. Except for 3 weeks since April 2, 2012, Amy has been in
3 different hospital, several rehabs and has had several more surgeries including her leg being amputated. (This was the leg on her right side). She is still in the hospital and is going through rehab. It is extremely difficult for her since her left side is impaired and now the right leg has been removed. They are in dire need of modifications in their home to meet her needs. Specifically the doors and the bathroom. The bathroom needs to be made handicap accessible. They have no means to make these modifications and we as a family are trying to find a way for these needs to be met.
If there is anything that you can do to help them it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Hello,
My name is Karen Snead and I am looking for some assistance in finding out some information on how to apply for a Grant for my family.
I live in Geneva Alabama a small town and I move here 3 years ago with plans of getting married well those plans fell thru and I was introduced to a family here the Morris, Mr. Jack & his wife Nellie and their children, grands and other family members they took me in at my worst time in life when I was so low I did not know which way to go or move my life was a mess.
The family made me feels welcome to be a part of a family that did not know me but took me in anyway.
Around about Easter 2012 their daughter Jackie Morris was not feeling well and we did not think anything of it we just told her to take it easy that day but then thing got worst. She complained about her feet on Easter but within a few weeks her legs hurt so badly she had to be hospitalized and then rushed to another hospital because she had several arties blocked and this was causing her the pain.
While in the hospital she had to have three surgeries on her leg and stomach area. She stayed in the hospital 3 weeks and was brought home. The recovery was not good and she continues to have severe pain in her left leg and they continue to work on her leg and foot.
Well three weeks again they informed her that they would have to Amputate her leg because it was not healing correctly.
I am happy to say the surgery went well and she is not in any more pain but when you are use to working and an independent woman taking care of yourself and family and it ends so quickly you can feel down about your life.
But not Jackie Morris she is keeping her head up and a smile on her face.
I am asking for help because I know what if feel like to lose everything and face a new day not knowing which way is up or down.
She has lost her home because her bills have not been paid she could not work and we don’t know when she will be able to again but I have had a long talk with her to know she is ready to start a new life and to look to the future but I would like to help her find housing for the Disabled or how to apply for a Grant to have a home built for her, because she can no longer live in her trailer and she wants to learn how to live on her own and not with her mother.
Jackie Morris have always made me feel like her sister and has always encouraged me to keep my head up, I would like to do the same and help her in the hardest time in her life when she is just trying to keep her head up and her Faith in God Strong.
If you could please help me find the assistance need to help I would be most GREATEFUL.
Thank you for all of your help with this matter of the HEART……….. Karen Snead
Hello My name is Judy, I am asking you please to choose my family for a extreme home makeover . I have five boys and we purchased a doublewide mobile home a little over two years ago it was a fixer up & something I could afford to live in, and I put everything I had into it to fix it for my boys and I and then the roof decided to leak and ruined everything. I get ssi because I am disabled but I also work Trying to get enough money to fix the roof before winter, But I just can't seem to do it. It always seem either another bill comes in or the boys need something or it's time to buy food again. I also got a letter from the park a week ago telling me I had fourteen days to fix it, and there is n way I can come up with the money to do so. So I am asking you please to think of us during these tough times we are having. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
Thank you
Judy
Hey. My Name is Keshana Scott. I'm 18 years old . i am 1 of 4 brothers that was born in South America. I Was Born to my mom, Faye Murray Who Was Diagnosed With Renal Cell Cancer in year 2000 And over the years Kept spreading And spreading through out her body . She has been living with a Stage 4 Cancer for 12 years going on 13 and ever since my brothers and i have been young, we always heard her talking about owning her own home for all of her kids to be together as 1. Of course we've had problems with our living situation since then. from living with family who didn't treat us good, or from different shelters in New York. My mother was always the person that wanted her own home to call hers. In that way we would not have to jump from house to house. I Actually did not feel very comfortable sharing my story on here because i thought it would not make a difference but i love to write. the way i feel, i write it all down and just thought of how you guys give people a chance to make over their homes and make lives more easier. With Our mom having cancer for 12 years, we really do not know how much longer she has to live but everyday we make the best of it and cherish her. And knowing that all she wants is to have a home ready for her kids that when she does pass away today or tomorrow , We'll have what she always wanted for us. She is now on disability, at home getting treatment because she can no longer go back to work and still receiving chemo every other week. She just want to keep her children together and keep the family close instead of having us separated. Recently, My brothers did save up enough and came together to buy her a for-closure home for $4,000 dollars But it needs a lot of re-pairs to it. The Least we Want to do is re-model the house and start from scratch and give our sick mom the house she always dreamed of having. I know there are many people out there with a story to tell but it would be very nice to see my mom smile at something and feel accomplished and re leaved. Please, if you can, Help us keep her alive for many more years and make her feel like she accomplished something & keep Our family together…your help would be a blessing to Us.
P.S – The Scott's Family
Hello,
My name is Courtney Pierce, I'm 19…
When I was 17 my mom and I moved in with my grandmother after she was diagnosed with bone cancer, when she passed the apartment she lived in wouldn't let us take over the lease so we were forced to move… Lucky for us my moms boss at the smoke shop she works at gave us a 2 bedroom house with a 1 bedroom mother-in-law house… The part about our house is they're over 80years old and my mom my oldest sister and I can't afford the essential repairs on minimum wage jobs… My sister recently or laid off at her job at FedEx due to an on-the-job engery and will be going through a roatercuff surgery in about a week… I just wish we had a safe place to call home that we don't have to worry about home disasters due to the lake of up keep from previous tenants… I wish the rest of the applicants the best of luck.!.!.
hi my name is bianca asher, i am intering in on this once in a lifetime oppurtunity because, i know a elderly lady who is currently raising her grand child,they live in rockholds ky, in an broken down trailor, her husband jus recently passed away leaving her with basically nothing to live in, the floors have holes, they canonly put a washer in their trailor because they have no room for a drier, they dont get much money a month and she struggles every month just trying to get food on the table and pay all her bills. her bathroom is falling in, her bath tube only sits on one board and it makes it scary to even take a bath, Connie which is the grand parents name, is scared that her home will become unfit for her grandchild, and kanesha which is the grandchild is all she has, they are very loving people, but noone wants to help them out, they have no transpertaion, so they half to bum rides out to town on the first. at niht when im there, i can hear kaneshas mamow praying that god will help her so kanesha wont get took, she has raised kanesha since she was just a baby, but this home is at least over 30 years old, its not fit to really even live in, its too hot during the summer and way too cold in the winter. Connie has trouble coming and going in that house, she hs already fail several times, shes scared to even stay there by herself, so kanesha is stuck at home all the time and not aloud to go anywhere, i am only 17 years old, and i can tell you that home is in bad shape, please help this family. they need it despertaly, they dont have much, this would brighten their spirt and give them hope. When kaneshas papow died, there was nothing they could do, and the cant afford to move a new home in thier or move into a new home. i am begging you to help them. Noone else will. If i could i would. me and kanesha has actuall tried outting new floor in ourself, but we are just teenage girls and you could image what it looks like. If you seen this home you would understand. The cilling is caving in, the floors are falling in, and the bathrrom toliet dont flush on its on, we half to us a bucket to flush it, te water presher dont work right and they dont have a stove to cook in, its all done in a mickerwave or a pluge in skillet, things are superglued together and ducktaped. They do not know i have entered in this but i just have empathy for them and so badly want to help, and i watch this show all the time and thought maybe you would have empathy too and come help, remeber kanesha is only 16 and her mamow is 61. Please help them. god bless you and the people you have helped.. you are good people. thank you for taking the time to read this, i greatly appreciate it. and who knows maybe god will answer their prayers and mine.
Linda Lewis. I'm 51 years old with a brain aneurysm. My husband is 52 yrs old with a heart condition and on disability. We live in a very very small park model retirement home. We purchased a couple of years ago. Recently we took custody of two of your 8 grandchildren. it is a very small place for 4 people.
But you know what… I withdraw my application. there are so many folks listed on this site that need it much more than we do. Our place may be small but we can make it work.
I wish each of you the best of luck….
God Bless.
please help
hallo,my name is anthony bellafant.im battlen alot of health issues and needing help fixen up my home i have a wife and two kids at home who tries they best to do what they can by helping me and we have been tring our best to live tha best way we can we have spent alot of our money tring to make our house liveable to tha best of our ability when we moved in here we knew we had to put some work in here but not as much as we have been putting in her we seem to get one thing fixed and end up having to fix another tha doctors haven't givin me very much time and im really tring my best to get these things fixed before i leave this earth so that my wife and kids don't be stuck with tring to fix these things my wife is down working only 20hr. a week and i'm on disability and we are just at the end of our rope basicly this is my last chance in getting any help so if thier is any kind of way that u could help me i would really appericate it very much
My name is Misty, I am 29 yrs of age, I have an Autistic son named Tyler who is very special to me. Im writing because just recently on friday August 31, 2012 my sons special education class suspiciously burned down, estimating at 130,000 dollars in damage. They lost everything and as of tuesday will return to nothing, this will be very devastating to my son and his classroom, as well as the entire Linwood Elementary School. The effects will be on many. They will have to share a classroom wich will be very overwhelming, and wont have the comforts they are used to having in order to function properly. The teacher and her aides do such a wonderfull job and care so much for there students, they deserve to be in an environment that allows them to function and be happy as well. So please Linwood Elementary School and the tulare county offfice of education could use your help.
Iam a 49 y.o single dad who has raised my son alone for 7 years now. In november of 2009 I was told I had stage 4 malignant melanoma.My cancer has spread to the point where it is now terminal.My older brother John and his wife Josie have stepped up to raise my son when I pass. They have moved my son and I into there home even though they both work and have already raised there children.They sacrifice so much for my son and are in need of a break for a change.I try to repair and remodel what I can but chemo and radiation hamper my efforts.I wish there lives to be better as the better they live the better my son will be.They have electrical and plumbing issues that I do not have the expertise to repair.The sacrifice that they have made for my son is commendable,when they should be enjoying there twilight years they will be raising my son.ey never hesitated for a moment.It is my only solice at this time and I would like to do anything possible to put there lives at ease.As with most americans today being of middle income ,these are things that they will not be able to complete.My son may not remember much about myself but If I can make my brother and wifes life easier it may help them all in the long run. I hope you will consider them for your help as these are the backbone of our country and the world needs people like them .And they need the help.The love they show for my son is amazing and the compassion for life is unchallenged,I can not think of two people that deserve this more,although I may be biased lol.Thank you for your time and thank you for what you do for all the deserving families.In a bleak econonomy you give inspiration and hope to the world. Thank you,
Patrick M. Foley
Subject: An Unfinished Life
Hello Ty Pennington and your wonderful crew. My name is LaTasha Whitfield and I am 22, my sister name is LaTianna Whitfield is 19 and my brother Martivias Walker is 14. We are writing this letter on behalf of my mother Brenda Walker, this letter does not have anything to do with my mother or us being sick or anything with special needs for our family.
The truth of the matter is that our mother have been providing for us as a single parent for twelve years. My mother was abused by my father doing the seven years that she was married to our father. Adding that our mother is such a beautiful and wonderful women and not to mention strong because all the hell she has been through. We all had a place to live in the same location since my mom has lived in Chicago since 1974 which has been for her 36 years.
Mom as had a couple of jobs but one job she has been able to keep which is working for CPS/Chicago Public School. Since my mom has been working management has went up on her rent, where she had to move and stay with a friend meaning I had to be the big girl of the family to have my bother which is 14 and my sister which is 19 live with me in a one bedroom apartment.
Management does not know because I live in a (1) bedroom apartment and yes it does get crowed but I can’t turn my backs on them or my mom. My mother has done her best in maintaining us as a family now she does not have a place to live other than to sneak and stay the night with my sister, brother and I when the office is closed and no one knows that she stays with me.
My mother works very hard but she does not have a place to live. My mother pays bills but there is not enough money left over for her to save enough money to move because every time she put’s away money it goes toward another bill, car note, car insurance, and food as well as spending money here and there for my brother because he is still in school, school supplies, shoes, clothes, paying back her tuition. My mother Brenda has went back to school for online classes at University of Phoenix where she earned has earned her associates degree and now is working on earning her bachelor’s degree also at the University of Phoenix.
It hurts so bad to know all the hell that she has been through no one is able to help her with money in purchasing or renting a house. We see the hurt in her eyes everyday but she manage all the time, not to let us see just how much she is really hurting. All I can say is that our mother is not a quitter she’s a winner.
The holidays are just around the corner and my prayer is that this letter reaches your show Ty Pennington, on time for us to sit down at the dinner table as a family in a larger place.
I know this letter is not as important as the other letters, but please make this your first acception off your normal tapping; all we are asking for is a chance to prove to our mom that when one door closes another one opens.
Sign: An Unfinished Life………LaTasha Whitfield
Hi, My name is Amy and I am a Mom to 4 and stepmom to 3 … Here is our story… Myself and my 3 boys moved back here to my very small hometown in West Virginia in 2007 after the sudden death of my husband of 12 years. We Stayed with my Mom for a few short months and moved out on our own into a 2 bedroom trailer … I never knew how hard it would be to raise 3 boys on my own. I then a year later Met a man who also had 3 kids (girls) .. Eventually 2 years later we are now married and have a daughter together .. We live in a 2 bedroom trailer with another bedroom added on… My husband was taken out of work after 7 months on the job due to a back injury, with very little work around our sources are limited … With only one income coming in and very little assistance from the state we struggle from day to day to feed our Children and rely on help from our Mothers both of which are disabled ! THe trailer we are in is in so much need of repairs and so small and due to everyday expenses we are unable to do anything to it .. We use a 2100 gallon tank for a water source in which we depend on rain water to be able to do clothes , dishes , bath and so on , As of now we have no heat source, cant afford to buy any and cant use Kerosene due to my children's Bronchitis.. In 2008 shortly after my first husband passed away one of my sons who was 9 at the time , developed viral encephalitis and we almost lost him , he is now depended on Seizure meds, My 7 year old now has taken Feberial Seizures since he was 16 months old and cant afford to get sick because it will set off his seizures if he runs a fever (where the heating issues come in). We are also unable to get my husbands kids as often as we want because there is simply not enough room for all of us in this home and girls and boys shouldn't share rooms (per the state) … I would so be Blessed to have the help to get our kids in a big enough place to enjoy being a family … So they all could have a stable place and could consider it as home ! With God we have made it this far and weather we are Blessed with Help or not Our God will see us thru … Thanks for your Time .. Amy
My name is DJ I am 21 years old. My mother is disabled since 2006.She was a correctional officer at Burruss Correctional Training Center in Forsyth Georgia since 1998, where in march 2001 she had an accident while in training at Georgia State Prison and after 3 surgeries to try to save her right leg she was forced to retire 2006 completely disabled by 2009. 2004 my grandmother went through breast cancer, and prior to that my uncle lung cancer (whom passed) then 2005 her husband also a correctional officer had head and throat cancer they found out when he was activated to go overseas with the national guard, then 2009 his ex with leukemia, my mother took care of all these people and it really took a toll on her. Specially her husbands cancer even involved him on a feeding tube for so long. Then when his ex died late 2009, mom not only helped to try to take care of her but the three grandsons in her custody became my mom's responsibility until 2011 when they went to live with their biological father.Mom through all of this had to refinance her home she got in 1998 on her own (before she remarried in 2005) and now her husband doesn't know if he wants to stay or not which has caused my mom since 2009 to have other health issues that the doctors can find no reason for but stress. We are afraid if he goes she will have to let them foreclose.The house is in need of repairs and to be handicap access as her leg gets worse and will have to go in a wheelchair. the roof leaks and the backdoor and floor need to be replaced where rain has rotted it out. There is no storage or room for the things she enjoys (crafting) There is so much clutter from moving kids and people in and out as she helped them. I try to help as much as I can but I am a full time student, so that one day I can help her.I pray and I know she does all the time that "god" will help us figure a way to stay in our home with our two pets that desperately need a fenced in yard. Please consider helping her if she loses her home we will be forced to move to a house that is over 235 years old with no plumping and is condemned used solely for storage right now. I know in with all my heart that if anybody deserves a break it's my mother.
My next door neighbor, Kathy lives with retired husband VA veteran, disabled son, daughter and two grand children. Kathy's dream is to rebuild the 1974 frame home that is in poor condition and expand the home to accommodate the family. The family cannot afford to have insurance on the house and often fear that if anything happens to the house, they will not have a place to live. Kathy has been in and out of the hospital due to kidney failure. Kathy was in the process of filling out the application for Extreme Makeover when she got ill and hospitalized. Kathy was recently hospitalized due to an infection that almost took her life. Kathy's husband has been in and out of the hospital due to illnesses acquired during the war. Kathy's son, Michael was hit by a vehicle when he was approximately 7-8 years old. As a result, he is disabled due to developmental disorders. Kathy's daughter recently divorced and moved in with the two children. The family is crowded in a three bedroom, 2 bath home. Most importantly, Kathy needs to live in a clean, disinfected home to protect her from getting infections that can threaten her life. Kathy is like a sister to me and I love her very much. I have been hesitant to submit this request, but I know how much she suffers every time she comes home from the hospital and looks at her home. I am not asking for miracles, but please consider this request for Kathy. Make her wish come true. Zephyrhills, Fl.
In 2010 I met and married an amazing man. We both wanted the same things, a family, a home of our own, and the ability to help people. He graduated with a biology degree,
I graduated with a degree in Fine Art with emphasis on painting and art history. We immediately brought our son into the world, a bright and precocious little lad that is not yet two years old, but enjoys reading by himself, drawing, painting, and of course, trucks, trains and balls. We were broke, and I was still a student, so we moved in with his mother and sister, and his three nieces and nephews.
Due to certain circumstances, my husband is unable to attain his transcripts, which means that he can’t get a job in his field. Slowly but surely, he has drifted off into a depression that no one can bring him out of. He wants to teach, he wants to open a soup kitchen, he wants to open a free arcade, he wants to cure the drought, and he wants to end our dependency on oil. For the last two years of our marriage (oh, hey, that’s the whole thing!) he has been devoting his spare time to graphs, charts, research, and building models to bring his invention to light. Unfortunately, most people glaze over when he begins to talk, whether that is because he uses scientific lingo, or some reason unknown to me. Whatever the cause, it only catapults him further into depression. He used to read and tutor the blind, but he has stopped because he refused to take their money.
My mother taught me a slogan that has driven me for all of my adult life. “Do What You Can, With What You Have.” And I have. I started a small soap and handmade goods store. The mission of the store is to provide artisan goods to people who want to be assured that they’re purchasing items from local artists, or made in the U. S. A. Everyone who works at the store is a displaced woman with no other means of income. The store is growing and doing well, and I amazed that I have been able to grow this business with an initial investment from my mom of just $350, enough to make 12 batches of soap.
It took me nine years to graduate school. I worked, I helped take care of my brothers’ four children so that he could work and my sister in law could finish college, I nursed my mom after she had breast cancer and she has just celebrated her 8th year since being diagnosed. It has been a hard ten years, but it has been completely rewarded every time I see my child read to himself, or say “thank you.”
We have recently been kicked out of my in laws house. We are unable to contribute financially to any bills, as all of the money I make from soap goes to taking care of Gabe. There are other reasons, of course, but it isn’t necessary to explain them all. The fact is… we have nowhere to go. My husband currently still lives at his mother’s house so that he may continue in the job search in town, while Gabe and I have moved in with my parents in the country. What little I make from my shop will now go to gas, considering my store is 28 miles from where we are living. My grandmother gave me 7/8th of an acre of land, but it has an old house on it that is unlivable.
It has been decided that my father will have to have brain surgery to remove a tumor that is growing behind his ear and inhibiting his ability to hear out of that ear 100%. Although I will be here to help with his recovery, I can’t fathom being a financial drain on my parents during that time. He may not return to work after surgery, considering he is already at retirement age.
I’m not sure what is going to happen, but I am positive that I will continue to work, continue to help the ladies at the store, and continue to give this lil guy of mine the best I can. We just want to be together again. Thanks for your time! -Bonnie
My name is Marta, im 20 years old and i am married to a soldier in the Air Force. We have a 9 month old baby girl and just moved back to the states from Japan and bought our first house together. Our basement is beginning to rot away from rain water seaping through the walls and the previous owners sold it to us knowing this but painted over the mold and made it look pretty but after living here for 2 months there is so much mold and water and damage down there and we dont have the money to fix it nor will our insurance cover it. I really dont care about the basement looking good, but im afraid that my baby girl might get health problems from the mold that keeps growing. I try to clean and make the best of the problem but the problem wont go away without waterproofing the basement. There is nothing we can do because we bought the house "As Is" but its not fair for someone to knowingly sell a house to a brand new buyer knowing that they will have to trade an arm and a leg to try to fix it. I know we are not the kind of people that usually go on the show but i know miracles do happen and you never know what God has in plan for you if you put the effort into something.
My name is Melissa Vignona and I am a 20 year old nursing student from Brooklyn. I am contacting you not for myself, but for a friend of mine that was recently in the newspaper due to a traumatic accident that changed her life. Taralyn Accetta is a close friend of mine that I met in highschool. Throughout our four years we experienced so much together and eventually ended up going to the same college after we graduated. She is a girl that is full of love, laughter, and smiles and is one of the most genuine and selfless people that I have ever met. Unfortunately, several weeks ago Tara was a victim of a terrible accident when she dove into the shallow end of a pool and broke her neck. A girl that performed in every SING concert held in school, danced on stage, participated in so many school events, and got accepted into NYU with a scholarship, is now paralyzed from the chest down. She is going to physical therapy 6 hours each day and refuses to give up on herself. She won't stop for a minute. Not too long after the accident she posted a video of herself on her Facebook page, thanking all of her friends for their support and love and updated all of us on her progress and thoughts. She had everyone that had watched this video in tears, not because we pitied her, but because her words inspired each and everyone of us. The optimism, the courage, and the bravery to speak to her loved ones over a video message after the traumatic event was amazing. But that didn't surprise me because that is how special this girl is. Even after almost her entire body was taken from her due to paralysis at 19 years old, she continued to smile, and laugh. Instead of feeling some sort of hatred toward the accident for debilitating her, she stated that she felt blessed that there was no damage to her face, teeth or brain. We all learned a lesson that day, not to take anything or anyone for granted because in one day you might lose it all. Unfortunately it took an accident like this for many of us to realize it. Tara's family is now desperately trying to raise money in order to renovate their house to make it wheelchair accessible for her. I ask that you please, please help her family to help make this happen. Between medical bills for Tara and for her mother who has a severe case of Lupus, they are struggling to make this happen on their own.
The City of Piedmont, AL with its innovative government approved the development of the state’s first certified organic learning farm downtown Piedmont. The farm will be an asset to our local economy and economic growth, for the region as well as our city. We currently have visitors from all over the state; also hold scheduled tours of our farm (front yard). With the larger learning farm we will be able to attract people from all over, and have the amenities to accommodate them. Agro tourism is the fastest growing trend with vacationers. People have become more interested in how their food is produced. They want to meet farmers and talk with them about what goes into food production for many people who visit farms, especially children, it’s the first time they’ve seen a tomato growing, or pulled a carrot. The farm will cover over an acre in downtown; it will have 22 raised beds, over 6000sq foot in ground, and two green houses. The design will exhibit many ways of growing vegetables, square foot, row, container, hydro, even vertical farming. The perimeter will host an edible landscape of fruits, herbs, and edible flowers. We hope to inspire everyone to grow a vegetable regardless of available space. Improving the quality of our environment, by protecting our local food source through education and example, guiding people to use the greatest resource available –ourselves.
As a learning farm everyone will be invited to participate in all the daily activates of food production, food preparation, along with food preservation.
Will for Food
This program will be open to everyone, any income, any age. For every hour of labor performed, individual will receive a credit. Credits can be used at the farm store to purchase fresh produce, preserved foods from farm, or plants and seeds. Anything produced on farm. Credits can be used that day or saved to be used later; credits can be donated back to farm or to our local food bank. The farm has many chores, will work for food includes all labor whether it be planting, harvesting, preserving food, raking leaves, or sweeping parking lot, even answering the phone there is something for everyone to do.
The farm will be open daily to everyone. Scheduled workshops will be held on various topics from starting seedlings, bugs and companion planting, harvesting and storage of produce. Workshops on preserving foods, along with healthy eating and cooking classes will also be offered throughout the year. We will also be hosting guest speakers and having cooking demonstrations by various chefs. Fresh organic produce from the farm, along with produce from other small local organic growers, and regional’ will be available in the farm store.
Our vision is with the addition of the learning farm in the downtown area, a growth of commerce would develop in the way of Bed & breakfast, specialty shops, and eateries. Promoting our city as green and healthy, thus attracting more people to relocate to our great city, and surrounding areas.
With the public’s enthusiasm and support for the downtown learning farm being overwhelmingly positive, we want to move fast on this project. Our goal is to be in production for spring 2013. We are currently seeking sponsors, pledges, and contributions to make this dream a reality.
I know we can depend on you to support and promote such an important community project.
We would be happy to talk with you at any time. You may view preliminary schematic of farm and location, by visiting www.foreversunriseorganics.com/the-learning-farm.html
Forever Sunrise Organics
Roxanna Sims Dave Clark
Our mission is to protect our local food source by empowering every member of our community with access to resources for production, preserving, and preparation of safe healthy foods.
Hello, my name is Laurie Miller. I live in our first home, in Shipshewana, Indiana-Amish Country. Which is over 100 years old and is on approximently 1/4-1/2 acre with my husband Les and my three girls Aubre (12), Rebecca (5) and Marsha (9 months). We are blended family, that just went through a major custody battle. We are a two income household and we have child care for the youngest daughter all year and our oldest and middle daughter's when they are not in school. Aubre struggles with asthma due to the outdoor allergens, Rebecca has signs of outdoor allergens as well and Marsha has signs of Asthma also. I have had allergens most of my life, but have always put my girls first and formost. We have struggled over the years to do what we can to care for our house with any exta money we may come accross. Now we are still trying (struggling) to pay on my attorney fees and mortage. We recently discovered that our basement is full of mold, water is leaking in everytime it rains and the natural ground water is seeping in constantly. Our foundation appears to be sinking as well. It's a challenge to keep the girls out of the basement for their safety, and a shame that we don't have all that space for storage! We are forced to cram all the extras in our lives in our garage & ground floor of the house, it has even creeped into the small bedrooms upstairs that are the girls rooms. Our newest concern is for the safety our girls with the discovery of what we think is black mold in our basement. Knowing what black mold can do and how it can make a whole family sick, we leave home when we can, and leave windows open as often as we can. Friends and family have encouraged us to apply for home makeover for a couple of years now, and now I have taken my pride and set it aside and have taken that step to ask you and ABC for any help that you may be able to offer! Please come to Amish Country, Indiana and help our family live a healthy life in our home!
Thank you from the bottoms of our hearts!
hi my name is heather, im with a wonderful guy named brandon. we are not married yet but have talked about it, he has 2 boys ages 7 and 5 and we have a boy together thats nine monthes old and im pregnat with our 2nd child. at the moment its just me our son and brandon. his other 2 boys are staying with thier grandparents because we can not give them everything they need the way we would like. brandon misses them very much and it kills him to be away from his boys. brandon is a former marine that loved doing his job for the corp that was medicly discharged due to injury and he wishes he could go back but he wont beable to. he misses working for the military and serving our country.brandon trys to give me and his family everything we need to live and survive but he cant right now and he feels like hes failed me and his children as a father because he cant provide everything we need. i have tryed countless times to cheer him up but nothing seems to work. we just got a five bed house hoping to get his other two boys to move in with us so we can all be together and he can be happy, the house we got is the perfect size for all of us but it needs so much work done to it right now we may have to wait another year to move his other 2 boys in with us and that makes brandon miserable. the house we love but it has holes in the walls and the carpet needs ripped up and replaced windows are shattered due to it sitting for a while and kids vadilized it. theres holes in the cieling it has leaks and all the wiring has been ripped out and stolen and the plumbing is messed up and all the bed rooms need redone and we sleep in the livingroom because we finally have the living room and dining room and bathroom kinda up and going. so now we are trying to fix it back up and we are trying to rewire the house and make the house look beautiful so his kids can come live with us. the house is beautiful and we love it but it just needs so much work its going to take a while to do and it dont mae brandon happy. we are behind on our payments because i havnt been able to work for a while so i could stay home and take care of our son and now another one on the way, so all the hardship falls on his shoulders. hes never really been able to do what he wanted with his life with a nice house and a good stable job and niether have i, my life hasnt been great i hada ruff life needless to say some things i wont say out of respect for certin people. but its been difficult for me as well an all i have ever wanted is to have a nice home and a family an not have to worry so much i cant give our son and his boys the rooms and toys an everything they deserve. it hurts us bith that we cant give our children what they need. we have struggled from place to place and its getting very difficult to survive we are living off wic and trying to get food stamps. if you guys could help and make our lives a little eaiser that be helpful thanks heather
I was adopted in 1999 by my wonderful/ amazing family. I was 12 years old, which is very hard to find someone willing to adopt. My parents were just starting out doing foster care in Florida, which, if anyone knows about how much money they get paid, it wasn't much! They did it because they loved kids, and their kids were grown. I was the 3rd child in their home and they fell in love with me. For ten years we had 100+ children come to live in our home. My parents would spoil them like crazy and go well and beyond the basic needs. In 2005, I began college at FSU and took out student loans because my parents would not have been able to afford to care for the children if they paid for my college. In February of 2009, my senior year, my mom got really really sick and was in a hospital/rehab center just barely able to function and did not even know who I was for a long time. I pushed through college knowing she would not want me to give up. It took a big toll on my father and he could not do the foster care anymore. He always had a full time job of 25 years with the water department of our home town. He was supposed to retire after 30 years. A few years before my mom was hospitalized, he had open heart surgery as well as brain tumor removed when I was in high school. During the time my mom was hospitalized, we found out she had Dementia and had racked up 3 credit card bills but my dad had never know. My dad was a supervisor at his job and he ended up getting laid off because they said "they did not need him. " Thing is, he had purchased a tiny little home in Crofton Kentucky for retirment. A very small home. They sold the house in florida and moved to KY in 2010. Now they have medical bills, not to mention there was a fire on their shed that they lost at least 60 thousand worth of all their history, all of our birth certificates, a car, so much more. I went to visit them recently and their home is just not ideal for two people in retirement with all of the health issues they have. They cannot keep up with cleaning and it is a mess and their is a bug infestation. I tried my best to help clean up but I am not able to be there and live 10 hours away. I myself do not have the money to help them or give them what they need. I just worry about them all the time and feel they gave so uch to the community we lived in. If you ask anyone in our small hometown in florida, they would tell you they were very much loved and deserve to be living better. I know you can't fix their health problems, but I feel they could use a clean, small retirement home. I am not asking for a mansion, but just something they can live healthy and comfortably in. Please help them!!! Thank you If you need any additional information, I can provide it to you, but I really think their story would be compelling and would be a dream come true, for them, for the rest of my family to give us all peace of mind that they are ok, and for hopefully my future kids.
My name is Kiyomi Brandon Im 33 years old. Im a mother of three wonderful girls,and a great mom. The reason Im write you is because of my mom. She want to pursue her goals in life which is to finish school to get her degree at Albama A&M University. With the passing of her mother 13 years ago. She was left the house,because we where staying with her at the time. We left,and move to our on places on section 8. She got sick so we moved back home to take care of her. Then we move to public housing she was working at Redstone Aresenal she work there for 11 years so she was able to get all her bills taken care of plus the house as well. She lost one of her oldest brother from diabetes in 2011 we buried him the day of the worst storm every we had a black out for two weeks. Then in May she was laid off from her job on the Aresenal she begin on her unempolyment. Then she had another brother that had also gotten sick as well. We move back in with her in December of 2011 and is still present Why do you ask we waiting on my section 8 that is why. As she took my uncle to his dialysis appointment on Tuesday,Thursday,and Saturday at 5:00a.m. by herself.She took him to all his doctor viist as well. When school was out I helper as much as I could when school was out. Her car was falling apart she was all ways wishing for a new one she a praying woman.As the year pass into 2012 my uncle starts getting weaker everyday as of July 28 2012 he pass away she is still not use to him being gone so are we as well missing him everyday. She is stress out about how are bills are getting paid i just started back to work this yearso its kind of stressful being here as well by us being here I dnot think she is use to us being here this long. Her house is falling a part its bootleg out where its about to fall a part can you please help my mom.
My name is Paula. I am writing in regards to my boyfriend and his roommate. My boyfriend, Jared, just purchased a building that he made is gym in the bottom half and he lived in the top half. He is a personal trainer and worked with a number of people in our small town. He trains at both his gym and the community center. He and his roommate had done a number of improvements to this building, including just adding a 14×14 deck to the 2nd story. They were the talk of the town
They are now too, two nights ago the building collapsed while they were out, thank God no one was hurt! However, they were left with nothing but the clothes they had on. Jared has lost everything, his home and his job were taken in a matter of minutes. His roommate also lost his home. Jared has been an inspiration to numerous people in this and surronding communities. I would love to see him have a home and gym where his clints can come back and lift. Again, he has lost everything! His job, his belongings, and a gym that he started in a barn! People kept coming and he bought this building so more could come! Please help him get his live back! Thank you for reading!!
Hi my name is Seanna and i'm writing about my mom,she is awesome..she has been thru so much in the past few years, a dicvorce,lots of family struggles,foster parent to my 4 cousins,and more recently,losing her gram. My great gramma past in June of this year and left us her house. It needs alot of work and my mom the warrior that she is trying to do it on her own so that we can all move there and have more space. You see we are all packed into a little 3 bedroom slab house.There are 6 of us total,5 girls and 1 boy Kamarin he is 6 and shares a room with his sisters,the 4 of them all have their own bed but no privacy.The oldest girl Courtney now 15 has dibilating ashtma and cant do much she rarely leaves the house. Even staying in has been hard this summer as we only have 1 window ac unit.. Mom works everyday and always has to provide for us,but with rent and groceries for 6 people we are always short. If we move to gram's house we could eliminate the house payment and maybe have a little more money to stretch farther.I know there are people out there with tougher situations then ours but just a little help would get us a long way…thanks so much for listening to our story
hello my name is kortney leigh walker and their are 9 kids in my house see my mom is a foster parent and she cares about kids so much she takes them in their home and adopt them cause if she don't nobody else would…..we have a 6 bedrooms in this house and then we turned the garage into a bedroom so it makes 7 but we have one bathroom my sisters and brothers are young in the rang of 3,7,10,11,and 16 we try to make everything ok for my mom and brothers and sisters but it seems like its not enough cause my mom is not happy and the kids aren't either so i'm asking you please,makeover our house..!
My husband joined the Marine Corps in 1999 leaving his family in Harmony, NJ. He was the pride and joy of his grandmother. The house I am writing about was built in the 1950's by my husband's grandmother and grandfather, who passed in 1985 from diabetes. This house holds so many memories and yet some tragedies I am about to unveil to you. This house was lived in by my husbands uncle bob, his wife and five children. While my husband's grandmother lives with a friend. She continues to pay the rent and insurance on the house with what income she has. They thrashed the house filling it with garbage in the basement and once that was full they began piling it in the backyard. They never cleaned and there is mold growing everywhere. Bottom line is they took advantage of a very sick woman with cancer and did nothing but think of themselves. My husband's father was imprisoned at this time and there was no manpower there to evict the uncle and his family. My husband's grandmother had no idea how bad the house had gotten. For fear it would break her spirit, it was kept a secret. My husband's grandmother battled breast cancer and lost one of her breasts, while she was in remission for a while recently she has been diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. She is undergoing chemotherapy. Larry and myself with the help of his father, who is now out of prison on parole, and other members of the family have taken over the home and kicked out the uncle and family and began a major cleanup through the house so that my husband's grandmother can move back into her once called "Home". Upon going through the house we realized the asbestos and mold are more than we can take on financially and physically. My husband and myself are the only people in the family with decent/stable incomes. My husband takes leave as often as possible to go home and help with small projects and cleanup on the property. With him on active duty status this is not a frequent as we would like. We watch your show day in and day out and we see light at the end of many other peoples tunnels and we are hoping to provide the light at the end of his grandmother's. We would like to fulfill her last wish of being "home" again but safely being home. I am asking you from the bottom of my heart to consider our application and with the sincerest of hearts I am hoping you will at least call and understand our situation a little more in depth. It is hard to sum up in so few words the emotion and pain we experience being a military family and somewhat feeling helpless in the amount of time we are alotted for these necessary repairs. We will do whatever we can to help and can provide some financial help if needed but we just ask that you give us the opportunity to fix the mold and hazards in this home for his grandmother. This request isn't just for his grandmother it will be a major relief on my family and allow my husband and I to focus on area's in our life. My husband always volunteers to help out senior citizens who need wheelchair ramps built or small odd jobs done but he feels inadequate because he is unable to perform these for his own family. The property I am referencing is in NJ and we are located in VA currently and that is always cahnging as well. I don't know how much longer we have here before we are sent to the next duty station. I am doing and writing everyone I can to help us complete this dream for his grandmother as well as my husband. We love and cherish her as well as the hard work you do!
My name is Monica I am 20yrs old. In 2010 My mother passed away in a car accident and 10 months later my 16yr old brother passed as well in a car accident. My 12yr old sister was given to her psychically and mentally abusive father and we are currently trying to get custody of her. I haven't spoken to her since my brothers funeral. I moved in with my Aunt (mothers twin) in her 1600ft home. She was currently living with her 5yr old daughter and significant other who works for the Apple Patch Community which is a non~profit organization and hardly brings in any money at all. My aunt recently moved in my late mothers best friend and her two young children as well as her other older children that come and go. The family friend is leaving her boyfriend of 20yrs and has no where else to go but here. My Aunt can not turn anyone away because she wants everyone to have the best life possible even with tremendous losses. I want that for her since shes pushes herself so hard to help everyone. As of now there is a total of seven people in our home and three that come and go, as well as my sister who we hope is coming home soon. If you guys could help in any way it would make our lives less painful.