THE BELOVED SERIES THAT CHANGED THOUSANDS OF LIVES AIRS ITS SERIES FINALE JANUARY 13, 2012

Nine Seasons Conclude with Historic, 200th Episode from Tornado-Ravaged Joplin, Missouri

“Joplin Families” – In October 2011, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to tornado-ravaged Joplin, Missouri, to celebrate its 200th episode in historic fashion. The show surprised an unprecedented 7 families with the door knock that changes lives, and the “EM:HE” design team and a volunteer “army” of 13,000 people, along with the builders, will create 7 beautiful homes in just 7 days. In addition, they refurbished a local park, created a new playground and a poignant memorial site to those volunteers who came to the aid of others during and after the tornado. Celebrities who got involved with this episode include LA Laker Kobe Bryant, Kansas City Chiefs’ matt Cassel and Clark Hunt, as well as “Good Morning America’s” Sam Champion.

On May 22, 2011, a catastrophic tornado ravaged the town of Joplin, killing approximately 160 people and destroying nearly 8,000 houses. This will be the biggest build ever for “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” – 7 homes will be built for 7 deserving families. Some of the Joplin families lost friends, some lost children, and all lost their homes.

The parents and children from all 7 of the Joplin families were whisked away on a dream vacation to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, while “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington, designers Paul DiMeo, Paige Hemmis, Michael Moloney and Tracy Hutson, along with Sam Clifton from Millstone Custom Homes, who is lead builder for 21 builders, and approximately 13,000 Volunteers and community volunteers build the structures and work on the local park. These are the stories of the seven families:

The Howard Family
Kyle, the father and a Joplin fireman, was at work at the fire station during the storm and spent the first two hours after the tornado not knowing if his wife and kids had made it out alive. He made many stops along the way home, through the rubble, rescuing trapped victims and tending to injured members of the community. Meanwhile Jill and their children, Konnor, Korbin and Kaleb, huddled in a closet. A door landed on top of them, which they used to deflect the debris. This ultimately saved their lives. After the storm, they had no idea if Kyle was alive, but eventually the family, along with older son Keenan, who was out of town at the time, was reunited. Jill sustained minor injuries, but their home was completely destroyed.

The Nevins Family
Kari and Justin Nevins love Joplin and prior to the tornado, their home was known as “the neighborhood’s house,” where kids could play, have refreshments and hang out. Kari is part of Bright Futures, a, organization whose goal it is to increase graduation rates through teaming with businesses and faith-based partners to provide for the needs of students. The parents, along with their children, Uriah, Avery, Cana and Rhoen, ran to the cellar. As they huddled together, they felt the force of the tornado as it ripped apart their house. After making sure his family was safe, Justin immediately started helping others by searching and digging neighbors out of the destruction. The tornado not only destroyed their home, it also destroyed the entire neighborhood and school Kari worked so hard to help. Without a home, the Nevins are now staying in a rental home 17 miles outside Joplin, as they try to piece back their lives, but they want to come back.

The Cogdill Family
Single mom Crystal Cogdill works for the Joplin Housing Authority. She has a passion for helping people find housing, but in a cruel twist, now finds herself homeless. In the tornado, Crystal lost her 9-year-old son, Zach Treadwell. Upon hearing the sirens, she hustled her kids inside the house and, following her emergency plan, huddled with them in the bathtub. As the home came apart around them, she felt her grip on her children weakening. The storm eventually overpowered her and ripped the kids from her arms. When she next saw Zach, his lifeless body was pinned beneath a utility pole. Stunned, Crystal finds her friend (also named Crystal). The two friends soon make a horrifying discovery; both of them have lost children to one of the most devastating weather events this nation has ever endured. Currently, Crystal Cogdill lives with friends and has begun the process of starting over.

The Whitely Family
Before the storm, Crystal Whitely was the ultimate single mother taking care of her three kids and working as a personal care aid. Crystal loved working with her clients that were disabled and elderly, but her kids are her life. The night of the storm, the whole family took cover in the bathtub, but moments later, the house was pulled off its foundation. Though she tried desperately to hang on to them, 10-year-old Shante and 6-year-old Trentan were ripped from Crystal’s arms. Only Crystal and her 4-year-old daughter, Keana, survived.

The Walters Family
In 2006, Tom and Emily Walters bought a house with dreams of raising their family in the beautiful, small town of Joplin. Emily is a nurse, and Tom a coach and teacher. Together they dedicated their lives to helping and nurturing the happiness and well-being of others. When the siren sounded on May 22nd, the family didn’t realize what was coming their way. It started hailing and then, all of a sudden, it got worse. They ran to the bathtub. Huddled together, feeling the roof rip off and objects hurling around, 9-year-old daughter Chloe cried out to her mom and dad, “Don’t let me die!” Feeling helpless, all Tom and Emily could do was pray with Chloe and ride out the storm. As soon as it passed, Tom and Emily knew people in the neighborhood would need help. After making sure their daughter was safe with a neighbor, they ran down to a nursing home that had caved in and began digging people out. Along with others, Tom and Emily helped rescue several people. With their home destroyed and unable to be rebuilt, they’ve moved from place to place.

The Nguyen Family
Thang Nguyen (pronounced “win”) came to the U.S. in search of the American dream. Thang was in the Vietnamese Air Force and fought alongside the U.S. during the Vietnam War. Afterwards, he was able to move to the U.S. with his family and took a job with General Mills in Joplin. He was on the verge of retirement when the May 22nd tornado took away his dream. That Sunday night, Thang had a craving for seafood. Though his wife, Tiffany, had already prepared dinner, Thang convinced her to go out to eat at a local seafood restaurant. It was lucky for them that she gave in. The tornado missed the restaurant but tore apart their home. Had they stayed in that night, they may not have survived. The Nguyens had been living with Tiffany’s daughter, Sara, and their granddaughter, Alex. The Nguyens received help from a local church and are living in an apartment funded by insurance. However the lease will be up in December, and Thang and Tiffany will be left with no place to live.

The Gonzalez Family
Having both been divorced, Natalie and Scott (who live with Natalie’s son, Augie) didn’t think they would remarry. But when the tornado took their home, they changed their minds. Before moving to Joplin, Natalie lived in California and once saw a special about earthquakes. She learned that putting a bicycle helmet on your child’s head could save his/her life. When the tornado hit, the family huddled in their bathtub, with Scott on top holding on to a mattress and Augie wearing a bicycle helmet. The roof flew off, and suddenly the Gonzalez family was facing the full brunt of the tornado. Scott was picked up off the family and thrown back down in the bathroom. A toilet from the second bathroom flew through the air and hit Augie. The bicycle helmet he was wearing shattered to pieces but saved Augie’s life. Natalie was pelted with debris while trying to protect her son, severely hurting her back. While up in the air, Scott watched his family. It was at this moment that he realized, if they all survived, he wanted to marry Natalie and become a legal stepfather to Augie. When the wind started to calm down, Natalie realized they were in the eye of the tornado and their house was gone. Realizing they wouldn’t survive the second wave, Natalie and her family rushed over to a drainage ditch to find cover. Watching Scott carrying her son with his good arm (the other suffering a compound fracture), Natalie knew Scott would be her husband. They survived the tornado, broken and without a home, but their family had grown stronger and closer. Scott proposed to Natalie a few weeks later, and now the family would like to start over. They’re currently living in a rental outside of town, but the family loves Joplin and plans on driving Augie back for school.

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” travels to Fayette County, Iowa to surprise the Gibbs family, and musician Bret Michaels appears in this episode. Audrey Gibbs is a mother, a widow, a farm owner and a maternal optimist who won’t let anything stop her from raising her six children, not even her blindness and her battle with a potentially fatal condition.

Seven months after her husband died, Audrey had a brain aneurism that affected a quarter of her brain – leaving her legally blind. The doctors cannot say if she is going to lose her sight completely or even if she is going to live or die. Audrey has always been pragmatic and has no time for self-pity. She is passionately committed to doing whatever it takes to raise her kids. Realizing she could not continue working as a cosmetologist, she decided to attend massage therapy classes, as she knew it was a career she could still practice after losing her sight. However, Audrey does worry about what will happen to her kids, should the worst happen.

The Gibbs family own and live on a farm which they rent portions of to local farmers for additional income. Their farmhouse is in need of significant repair, with no working toilet, a ceiling that’s caving in and a layout that doesn’t work for the family at all- especially for Audrey, if she loses her eyesight completely. The “EM:HE” design team has just seven days to build a brand new home for the Gibbs.

The family has been whisked away on a dream vacation to Boca Raton Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, while “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington, designers Paul DiMeo, Tracy Hutson, Sabrina Soto, Jeff Dye and local builders Larson Construction Company, Inc., as well as community volunteers, build the structure. This episode will air Friday, January 6 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Source: ABC Press Release

THE EM:HE DESIGN CREW SURPRISES THE RHODES FAMILY IN COLUMBUS, OHIO

Rock Superstars Journey and 65 Santa Clauses Help the Effort

“Rhodes Family” – “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” travels to Columbus, Ohio to surprise the Rhodes family with the door knock that can change lives. The Rhodes family is tight-knit, hardworking, loving and joyous, and have lived in their neighborhood for more than five generations. The Rhodes have always put family first. So when Grandpa James and Grandma Jackie’s (also known as the neighborhood’s beloved “Big Momma”) adult daughter, Makia, was diagnosed with a potentially deadly brain tumor, leaving her unable to work and in need of daily care, they did not hesitate to take Makia and her kids into their 941-square foot home. Watch a sneak peek from tonight’s episode:

Now there are seven people living in this small dilapidated home, and although Makia has made progress, she’s still experiencing mental delays and difficulties – so she relies on her parents’ support every day. Despite the very cramped quarters and difficult conditions, the Rhodes still manage to exude joy, laughter and love in an inspiring example of family devotion and sacrifice.

The “EM:HE” design team has just seven days to build a home that’s larger, safe and whose beauty reflects that of the family living within. The “EM:HE” team was helped by the members of the band Journey, whose anthem, “Don’t Stop Believin,’” is James Rhodes’ motto. In addition, 65 Santa Clauses from the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas assisted in a very merry demolition of the old home. The Rhodes family have been whisked away on a dream vacation to the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa while “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington, designers Michael Maloney, Tracy Hutson, Sabrina Soto and local builders P&D Builders, Ltd., as well as community volunteers, build the structure. And, as a very early Christmas present, the family learn that their mortgage has been paid off.

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

THE DESIGN CREW SURPRISES THE JOHNSON-GOSLEE FAMILY IN MARDELA SPRINGS, MARYLAND

For the First Time, a Family Member Stays Behind to Build with the “EM:HE” Team

“Johnson-Goslee Family,” Parts 1 & 2 — “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” travels to Mardela Springs, Maryland to surprise the Johnson-Goslee family with the door knock that can change lives.

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

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

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

The “EM:HE” design team has just seven days to build a brand new home for the Johnson-Goslee family – which not only meets the family’s needs, but exceeds them, with designs to help Wyzhir practice his talents and prepare for his dreams. In a first on the show, Wyzhir delays his dream vacation with the rest of the family to Santa Barbara, California — preferring to remain behind with the “EM:HE” team for a once-in-a-lifetime design and construction experience. He joins team leader Ty Pennington, designers Michael Moloney, Paige Hemmis, Ed Sanders and Johnny Littlefield, who, along with local builder The Fusion Companies and community volunteers, build a new home for the family. In addition, with his typical big-heartedness, Whyzhir enlists the group’s help on several fix-it projects for the community.

“EM:HE” is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. This program carries a TV-PG parental guideline.

EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION AND THE WALKER FAMILY STAND TOGETHER TO STOP BULLYING

Kim and Kourtney Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian Odom Host Anti Bullying Rally
Featuring Live Performance from Demi Lovato

Cody Simpson Performs and Challenges Young People to Stand Together

“Walker Family,” Parts 1&2 – “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to Springfield, Massachusetts to surprise the Walker family with the door knock that can change lives. On April 6, 2009, 11-year-old Carl Walker took his own life, forever changing the Walker family. For almost a year Carl had told his mother, Sirdeaner Walker, about the many incidents of kids bullying him at school. The family still hasn’t been able to return to normal after Carl’s death, but they have focused their energies on helping others. They has turned this tragic event into something positive by lobbying for new state and federal laws against bullying. Watch a sneak peek from tonight’s episode:

The Walker house was a living memory of the most horrific night in any family’s life. The 3rd floor was where Carl Walker took his own life. As a result, the family could not bear the sadness of being on that floor. The “EM: HE” team had just seven days to build a brand new home for the Walker family, a new facility that would meet their current needs and also honor Carl in a positive way.

The Walker family was whisked away on a dream vacation to Hollywood, where they were greeted by Kim and Kourtney Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian Odom. The Kardashian sisters hosted an Anti Bullying Rally in support of the Walker family and enlisted the help of their friend, Demi Lovato, who performed for the crowd. The event was sponsored by Sears. Back in Massachusetts, teen sensation Cody Simpson performed, and enlisted hundreds of teens to join him in a Stand Together March to stop bullying.

Ty Pennington and “EM: HE” designers Michael Moloney, Tracy Hutson, Jillian Harris, John Littlefield and local builders N. Riley Construction, Inc., as well as community volunteers, helped build the new home and brought together organizations in support of the episode theme to Stand Together in the fight against bullying. “EM: HE” is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.

This program carries a TV-PG parental guideline.

“EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION” CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING WITH THE DUNNING FAMILY OF LEWES, DELAWARE

“EM:HE” Designers Michael Moloney and Paige Hemmis Appear on
“Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” with Host Meredith Vieira to Raise Funds for “Jusst Sooup”

Special Appearance by Celebrity Chef Michael Symon from “The Chew”

“Dunning Family,” Parts 1&2 – “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to Lewes, Delaware to surprise the Dunning family with the door knock that can change lives.

Dale Dunning founded “Jusst Sooup” while she was in Bible College, starting off with a crock-pot and a hot plate to make soup for her classmates after theology class. Today Dale, along with husband Ken and son Brooks, wakes up at 2:00 a.m. every day to provide meals at 17 soup kitchens for those in need across the state of Delaware. Watch a sneak peek from tonight’s episode:

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

To help raise funds for “Jusst Sooup,” “EM: HE” designers Michael Moloney and Paige Hemmis appear with host Meredith Vieira as contestants on the hit game show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” in episodes airing THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 and FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18. Check local listings or go to www.millionairetv.com for time and channel. Meredith Vieira joins the celebration and appears on Friday’s episode of “EM: HE” to surprise the Dunning family with a Millionaire check. Additionally, celebrity chef Michael Symon from ABC’s “The Chew” comes to the table with a “Jusst Sooup-erb” surprise for the Thanksgiving feast.

Ty Pennington and “EM: HE” designers Paige Hemmis, Michael Moloney, Sabrina Soto, John Littlefield, local builders Schell Brothers and community volunteers helped build the new “Jusst Sooup Ranch.” “EM: HE” is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.

THE DESIGN CREW SURPRISES THE HILL FAMILY IN OTTAWA, KANSAS

Actress Glenn Close Helps an Iraqi War Vet and His Family

“Hill Family” Parts 1 & 2 — “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” travels to Ottawa, Kansas, to surprise the Hill family with the door knock that can change lives in an episode featuring award-winning actress Glenn Close, who personally nominated the family. Watch a video sneak peek from tonight’s episode:

Staff Sergeant Allen Hill was almost killed by a massive roadside bomb while serving in Iraq. He has recovered from the physical wounds, but the injuries that we can’t see still haunt him. Environmental triggers such as loud noises, dimly lit spaces and long hallways can bring on episodes of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), some of which are dangerous, as they can send Sergeant Hill running for cover. One of his family’s greatest fears is that he will run out into the street during an episode and be killed. Sergeant Hill has just completed years-long inpatient PTSD treatment and is ready to come home. Unfortunately, environmental triggers still surround his former home: The house is near both a rock quarry, where there are frequent dynamite blasts, and a train yard that is a perpetual source of terrifying noises and vibrations. For Sergeant Hill to be reunited with his family, he needs a new home-one built in a suitable location.

Glenn Close nominated the Hill Family for the show. She founded a not-for-profit organization in 2009, Bring Change 2 Mind, to combat the stigma that surrounds mental illness, having witnessed the stigma that her sister Jessie and nephew Calen experienced in their own journeys through mental illness. Bring Change 2 Mind educates and raises awareness about mental illness, including PTSD. Ms. Close has also been heavily involved in the Puppies Behind Bars program which employs prisoners to train service dogs for wounded vets. Sergeant Hill’s new service dog from Puppies Behind Bars, Frankie, has helped him make significant strides toward wellness and is his lifeline.

Bring Change 2 Mind sourced a piece of land and assisted in its donation for the Hills’ new house. The “EM: HE” design team has just seven days to build that brand-new home in a safe, quiet area so the family can be reunited with its patriarch. The parents and their two sons have been whisked away on a dream vacation to Yosemite while “EM: HE” team leader Ty Pennington, and designers Paul DiMeo, Paige Hemmis, Ed Sanders, and Johnny Littlefield, as well as local builders M.A.C. Corporation and Canyon Creek Construction, LLC and community volunteers, build the structure.

The series is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. This program carries a TV-PG parental guideline.

THE DESIGN CREW HELPS AUTISTIC CHILDREN WITH THE MCPHAIL FAMILY IN MEDFORD, OREGON

Dr. Temple Grandin Helps Build the New Home

“McPhail Family, Parts 1 & 2″ — “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” travels to Medford, Oregon to surprise the McPhail family with the door knock that can change lives.

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

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

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

Dr. Temple Grandin, acclaimed author, professor and livestock handling facility designer, is one of the most visible spokespeople for people with Autism, and her life story was made into an HBO movie. She works with the design team to help build a home for the McPhails. In addition, a volunteer from the international organization Autism Speaks, a great resource for the McPhails when their children were diagnosed, will help the family light the town blue to enhance Autism Awareness.

“EM:HE” is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. This program carries a TV-PG parental guideline.

EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION MOVES TO A NEW NIGHT AND TIME WITH EXPANDED TWO-HOUR EPISODES, STARTING FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21

“Keefer Family” – “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” travels to Etters, Pennsylvania in an episode featuring the Keefer family. This marks a new night and time period for the series, which continues with two-hour episodes.

Dad Steve Keefer retired early to nurture his son Brian, a star athlete who became paralyzed in a life-threatening accident in 2008, just before his 21st birthday. Steve and Brian have an incredible father/son bond and, along with other family members, have worked hard to help Brian realize his dreams of graduating from college someday and regaining his ability to walk.

On July 1st, 2008, twelve days before his 21st birthday, Brian Keefer (an all-around college athlete, volleyball player & coach, record-holding track & field athlete, and president of his college’s gymnastics club) suffered a drastic gymnastics injury that paralyzed him from the neck down. Brian was a sophomore at Lock Haven University heading into his junior year. With this injury, Brian needed 24-hour care and his father, Steve, didn’t hesitate. After working 30+ years at a distribution post for the military, he gave up his job and regular life to move onto the college campus with Brian as his primary care aide. With his Dad’s help, Brian is (with obvious qualifications) in many ways thriving: he even won Homecoming King at his college.

At his family home, Brian is confined to only a few downstairs rooms of the house. With all his equipment, his makeshift room is very small and cluttered. Brian often feels like a prisoner. What’s more, the best therapy for Brian is aqua-therapy, and although the home has an outdoor pool that Steve built for his sons when they were younger, it isn’t to Brian in his wheelchair.

The “EMHE” design team has just seven days to build a ‘forever home’ for Brian that affords him both adult independence as he grows and begins a new family someday, and proximity to his family so they can take care of him. The designers will remodel the current family home and create another fully-accessible home for Brian with a separate entrance. Meanwhile, the Keefer family have been whisked away on a dream vacation to Colorado Springs while “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington, designers Paul DiMeo, Ed Sanders, Tracy Hutson, Jillian Harris and local business Musser Home Builders, Inc., as well as community volunteers, rebuild the structure.

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

THE DESIGN TEAM MAKES BIG CHANGES IN THE LIVES OF LITTLE PEOPLE WHEN THE CREW SURPRISES THE KORPAI FAMILY IN CRAWFORD, NEW YORK

TLC Stars Matt Roloff (“Little People, Big World) and Dr. Jen Arnold and Bill Klein (“The Little Couple”) Appear

“Korpai Family” — “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” traveled to Crawford, New York, to surprise the Korpai family with the door knock that can change lives.

After giving birth to Hailey, who was born with dwarfism, Jimmy and Darlene Korpai turned their attention to advocating for their little girl. As President and Vice President of the New York chapter of Little People of America, their goal is to erase ignorance, increase understanding and give families of little people support and help. On an even more personal level, they also dream of having a home that offers their daughter independence and autonomy, so she can grow from the happy-go-lucky, playful girl she is at this moment into a strong adult who can rely on herself, not letting her size deter her from pursuing her life.

High school sweethearts Jimmy and Darlene Korpai had been planning their life together since they were 17. They got married, bought a great piece of property with a two-story fixer-upper and got pregnant – all according to plan. Fifteen minutes after Hailey was born, Jimmy and Darlene’s carefully orchestrated future took a turn. They learned that their new baby girl had a form of dwarfism, and for weeks that was about all they knew. Information was hard to find, and it took them months just to learn that there was a Little People support group in their area. Hailey is now 5, and the Korpais have added baby brother Hudson, 1, and a whole lot of advocacy to their lives, but no more room to their home. More importantly, they don’t have the right kind of rooms in their home to keep Hailey safe, independent and happy, or to host functions and meetings for their organization. They dream of a space where Hailey can grow up with access to every aspect of the house – one which allows her the freedom and independence to do everyday things on her own, like brush her teeth, bake, turn off light switches, etc. The Korpai home is also the facility for the New York chapter of Little People of America, so there is a need for it to be one-story and wheelchair accessible to accommodate little people visitors, as well as Hailey.

“The EM:HE” design team has just seven days to build a brand new home for the Korpai family, one that is safe, secure and accessible for Hailey and Little People of America visitors. The Korpai family has been whisked away on a Disney Cruise vacation to the Bahamas and a whirlwind trip to New York City-while in the Big Apple they are surprised by some of their personal heroes, Dr. Jen Arnold and Bill Klein from TLC’s “The Little Couple,” who have a big reveal for them.
Meanwhile, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’s” Paul DiMeo travels to Oregon to meet Matt Roloff, the dad on the popular TLC show “Little People, Big World.” The Roloff family farm is unique in the way Matt adapted it to make it accessible for his family members of all sizes. Paul enlists Matt’s help making the Korpai home as enjoyable as his farm. Matt then visits the Korpai home to help the design team figure out how to retrofit the build. “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” team leader Ty Pennington, designers Jillian Harris, Ed Sanders, along with Paul and local builders Hearthstone Commercial & Residential Contracting, as well as community volunteers, build the structure.

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