ABC-TV’S “EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION”
CURRENT PROJECT FINDS THE DESIGN TEAM IN MARTINEZ, CALIFORNIA
TO PROVIDE A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR A YOUNG GIRL
WITH A WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM
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In February 2004, 16-year-old Jhyrve (Ger-Vay) Sears was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Krabbe Disease (pronounced Crab-ay). Her only chance at survival was receiving a cord blood transplant at Duke University Hospital in North Carolina. So, in March 2004, Jhyrve relocated cross-country with her mother, Karen, to start treatment.
After undergoing rounds of chemotherapy and then receiving her cord blood transplant, Jhyrve has spent the last 7 months recovering and rebuilding her immune system. Although the transplant was successful, the doctors at Duke will not let her go home to California until the mold and allergens that threaten her weakened immune system have been removed from her home.
Jhyrve’s Mom, Karen, has been living in North Carolina, paying rent at an apartment close to the hospital while still paying mortgage on her unoccupied house in California. She had to leave her job as a teacher’s aid to be with her sick daughter. The financial stress put on the family has left no money to fix up their home, while the emotional stress of not knowing when or if they will return home continues to taunt them.
Meanwhile, near Oakland, California, Jhyrve’s 14-year-old brother, Lucas Sears, missed his mother at his eighth grade graduation but understands that she must stay in North Carolina with his sister until the house is fixed. Karen has only spent a mere six weeks within the last year with her growing son.
Like any 17-year-old, the hardest part for Jhyrve has been being away from her friends and her younger brother. Jhyrve works hard every day and is on a treatment of steroids and physical therapy, so that one day she can finally come home. But, before they can even think about that, they need someone to help with the house.
The EM: HE team, contractors and hundreds of workers are determined to meet the unique needs of the family by solving the mold and allergen problems in the 1200 sq. foot, 3 bedroom, 1 3⁄4 bath home. The episode, “Sears Family,” will air during the 2004-05 television season.
The design team for this episode of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” will feature team leader Ty Pennington, Constance Ramos, Michael Moloney, Paul DiMeo and Eduardo Xol.
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. The series is executive-produced by Tom Forman and this episode is co-executive produced by Denise Cramsey.
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