www.joinextreme.com/massfamily
EXTREME MAKEOVER; HOME EDITION CREW SUPRISES THE WALKER FAMILY IN SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
Today, Extreme Makeover; Home Edition traveled to Springfield, Massachusetts to surprise a family with a door knock that can change lives. Ty Pennington and the EM:HE team of designers surprised the Walker family of Springfield, Massachusetts.
On April 6th, 2009, 11-year old Carl Joseph Walker Hoover 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 hasn't been able to return to normal after this tragic event, but they have focused their energy on helping others. The family has turned this tragic accident into something positive by lobbying for new state and federal laws against bullying.
The Walker house is a living memory of the most horrific night in any family's lives. The 3rd floor is where Carl Walker took his own life. As a result, the family cannot bear the sadness of being on that floor. Now, Sirdeaner and her two children sleep in the living room on a couch and two rollaway beds. In addition, they are forced to store their clothes and daily belongings in plastic containers and bags, creating a cramped and cluttered environment. The grandmother, who lives in the house with the family can't access the 2nd floor as the stairs are impossible for her to use. The house is over 100 years old and in significant disrepair with structural, plumbing and electrical problems.
The EM:HE design team has just seven days to build a brand new home for the Walker family, a new facility that meets their current needs and also honors Carl in a positive way without the haunting memories of the 3rd floor. The Walker family has been whisked away on a dream vacation to Hollywood, while the Extreme Makeover; Home Edition team leader Ty Pennington, designers Michael Maloney, Tracy Hutson, Jillian Harris, John Littlefield and local builder N. Riley Construction, Inc. as well as community volunteers, build the structure while bringing together organizations to join the episode theme of "stand together" in the fight against bullying.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is produced by Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschool. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. 9/11/11 Extreme Makeover : Home Edition/Mass Family
Sheldon Construction, Inc. is honored to be among the community volunteers working together to help this deserving family.