Afflicted with a rare disease, this 11-year-old boy needed a major home makeover to have access to his bedroom and bathroom. His community came together to make his dreams a reality.
Because infection is a constant danger, there are no beaches or baseball diamonds in EJ's summers. And at bedtime, when few 11-year-olds think twice about bounding up the stairs to their bedrooms, EJ toughs it out, painful step after painful step. "I'm happy when I get to my room," he says. "That's where I keep the ball the Yankees signed for me."
Ridgefield is a very well to do, upscale income town, and usually Extreme Makeover goes to families that would not be able to afford or have the means to acquire help locally. It seems that in this case the town itself did have the capability to help this family. And Makeover could better help a family in a less financially advantaged town.
Carmen
By Banaticus, 07/22/2008, 2:40 AM EDT
There may now be a cure for this disease: http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/19471139.html
By margiemahoney, 07/21/2008, 2:17 PM EDT
I think this is what Extreme Makeover Home Edition is all about. Getting communities to help their own needy people. Wasn't the builder for this project also the builder on the Bridgeport, CT project that ABC did do a makeover for? He must be a very generous man along with all the others that rebuilt EJ's home. God bless them all and perhaps other communities across the country will also be inspired by the show to do what they can for people in need.
By traceyk, 07/21/2008, 12:44 PM EDT
Its very sad for Extreme Home Makeover, because they passed an opportunity to help out such a sweet boy and his family. Shame on them! But on the other hand, things have a way of happening, and its very gratifying to see such a wonderful community come together and help this very deserving young man.
By RetiredMP, 07/19/2008, 12:43 PM EDT
We all like it when Extreme Makeover does this type of thing. This is even more special because it wasn't done to gain viewers or to advertise a product or service. This was done from the heart. The people of Ridgefield, CT and surrounding communities have every reason to feel a great sense of pride. This type of behavior is what makes America great - Giving of oneself with nothing expected in return.
By irishbutrfli, 07/14/2008, 7:26 PM EDT
It's a wonderful thing that this community had the heart and resourses to help this family. I think everyone needs to keep in mind the shear number of pleas Extreme Makeover Home Edition gets. This family was lucky and their home was intact and beautiful (by the pictures) it just did not work fully for their needs. The majority of the homes done on the show are in need of complete demolition! They deserve praise for all they've done!
By faulka, 07/13/2008, 2:00 PM EDT
Respond with your own comments here. It is unfotunate that "Extreme Makeover" and ABC saw fit to reject the Carfi situation as a project. However, it is encouraging to realize that the show has stimulated a revival of concern for one's neighbors. Kudos to their community and those who live there...gwb, La Mesa, CA
By faulka, 07/13/2008, 1:58 PM EDT
Respond with your own comments here. It is unfotunate that "Extreme Makeover" and ABC saw fit to reject the Carfi situaion as a project. However, it is encouraging to realize that the show hsa stimulated a revival of concern for one's neighbors. Kudos to their community and those live there...gwb, La Mesa, CA
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