EXTREME MAKEOVER HOME EDITION - Chicken coop upgrade

 

Before Extreme Makeover Home Edition entered their lives, the Carter family of Montana lived in a chicken coop. 

Let that sink in:  a chicken coop.  

Okay, it was a converted chicken coop. They didn’t live with chickens or anything; that would be kind of gross. Still, converted or not, nobody wants to live in a chicken coop, particularly not one that is falling apart. 

That’s where Ty Pennington and Co. come in.

First, they ship the Carters off to New York City to meet Hanson – yes, as in the group Hanson of “Mmmbop” fame. Then, they gleefully demolish the chicken coop and record the whole thing. Sometimes Ty gets a little too excited during the demo stage – clearly the guy really really likes leveling houses. Next, they build a huge custom house in 3 hours – sometimes longer. Finally, they reveal the incredible new house to the family, who FREAK OUT with joy. Sometimes the family gets so excited that they actually assault Ty, but this time it was just standard non-crushing hugs.

The thing that makes the Carter family unique, aside from the chicken coop thing, is that mom Julie and her 21 year old daughter Jade suffer from a genetic disorder known as Chiari Malformation. They’ve both had brain surgeries and had racked up huge medical bills.  Now it looks as if it’s just a matter of time before Julie’s other two daughters develop symptoms.  Julie runs a support group and tirelessly works to raise public awareness about the disorder. 

Prior to watching this episode I had never heard of Chiari Malformation, so that’s one more person who knows about the disorder now. I’d imagine Julie is pretty happy – Extreme Makeover Home Edition helps her raise awareness of Chiari on a huge scale, and she gets a beautiful new house that in no way resembles or smells like a chicken coop. It’s pretty much a win-win situation. 

--Dave Campbell   

 

Comments

[cheryle Kemp]

I am interested in learning more about julies support group for Chiare malformation. My Mother has been suffering from a simular disorder for many years, at which she has not been able to get any relief for the pain. Any information would be helpful. thank you

[helen whiteside]

I an interested in learing more about chiari malformation disorder. I had never heard of it before last night on extreme makeover home edition. I am very happy the family got a new home. Please send me any information about this disorder you can to my email address helen_whiteside05@yahoo.ca

[lisa ethredge]

i have also been diagnosed with chiari malformation, i was born with a birth defect called spina bifida. to day i am 39 yrs old, i had my surgery for the chiari malformation in 2005, and was doing fine but have been suffering with severe headaches for just about a year. it is so painful,dont know what to do anymore. my husband does everything for me because im always sick. please contact me @ethredge2@yahoo.com. i would love to learn about support groups and talk with others who are going through this very painful disorder.

[rmolinere@charter.net]

I loved the house. Keep up the great work with this disease. I am very interested in any information I can obtain for the house plans. Keep up the good work.

[Linda]

Watching this show made me rethink my diagnosis. A few years ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. My son who is albino has suffered from Chiari Malformation. I didn't know it could be hereditary. I thought my son had it from his albinism. I am wondering if I was misdiagnosed and may also suffer from Chiari not Fibromyalgia. I have all the symptoms. My pain dr just ordered me to have an MRI done due to increased headaches and neck pain. I was heditant to have it done until I saw the show. Now I just need to figure out how to pay for it. My insurence has a 1000.00 deductable. I hope I get it done soon. God bless you Carter family. So glad your wish came true.
Linda

[tina]

hello, i am inspired by the carter family, and want to raise money for them, but i have no way to contact them so if anyone knows a website or phone number i can contact them with please email me at xox2hsm2xox@aol.com thank you!

[Gale]

I have a nephew who just had a surgery for this and would also like to contact the Carter family. If you know a way please email me at moocow59@mchsi.com. Thanks

[Bud Schatz]

I did not see this show, I don't watch that much TV, but I heard about this from a friend. I too suffer from Arnold Chiari Malformation with severe pain and headaches. I also have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, sleep disorders, panic and anxiety disorders and other "conditions". I am hoping someone could contact me at cschatz4@comcast.net with any information about who did the Carter familes surgeries and where, any good doctors for this conditon and how the Carter Family is doing after the surgeries. Any help regarding information and treatment ideas for the Chiari condition or how to get in touch with the Carter family would be Greatly appreciated! Thanks - Bud S.

[Tracy]

I have recently been diagnosed with Chiari I Malformation. I too would like someone to contact me at tdillon80@hotmail.com with any information about who did the Carter familes surgeries and how they are doing now. Any information regarding treatment and speicalist would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Tracy

[Donna Simon]

Hi: Just saw the show, on Sunday May 11th, tears were brought to my eyes. The mention of Chiari Malformatin got my attention. Two members of my family on my husbands side have been diagnosed. The family was told to get checked...My one daughter with several symtoms was sent for an MRI but nothing was found but she suffers with extreme headaches and she is only 16. My other daughter 18 just had symptoms of a seizure on the past Monday, she had a CT Scan, which came out normal, but is scheduled for a ECG and a MRI in a few weeks...her seizure(?) cause us to call an ambulance which scared me so....my other daughter 19 also suffers with extreme headaches. So only one child has had an MRI at this point, could an MRI be read incorrectly, should I get a second opinion....Plus my husbands body is in pain all the time too....
Not seeing the whole show I think I heard that this disease could end in death, is that true...
Please contact me, I have checked the web for info. but some personnal experience would be helpful....
d-nomis@hotmail.com
Thanks for your time, hope to hear from you soon....
As a mother, my children are my life....
Donna Simon

[Stacey]

I have been diagnosed with Chiari I. My last MRI showed me at 9mm.. 2 years ago I was at 5. I am also looking for some info as the recent neurosurgeon gave me different info than what I have read online. He pretty much feels that there is nothing they can do at this time till it effects my spinal cord. So what I am currently looking for is more people to discuss their experence with Drs and get some tips on excerces and some natural remides... The only thing they are currently giving me is Oxycodone and that stuff is strong.. Please contact me at stayce_2000@yahoo.com if you would like to talk and discuss and assit..

Thanks-stacey

[Melissa Proctor]

I unfortunatly missed this episode and I was diagnosed with Chiari about 4 years ago and it took me about 3 years to get diagnosed. It was nice to hear people are learning about this condition. I had the surgery about 2 years ago and it has helped a lot, however still have bad days and still get unbearable headaches and pain. Nice to know that I am not alone. Can be contacted by e-mail at mpro165@yahoo.com

[amanda g]

I had the surgery, and the only relief I got was cranial sacral message. I swear it works. You must see someone who has been doing this work for a long time and who is very experienced.

[shawn]

Please let me know what the name of the support group that julie and her daughter run.? My Mother has had 2 chiari surgery's in a 4 month period. The entire family needs some type of support. If you can please e-mail at BrNatio@aol.com

[Mary Nesper]

My husband has been diagnosed with Chiari Malformation I. He had surgery about 12 years ago, but he appears to be getting worse in the last few years. He has pain in his left side constantly, he now has curvature of the spine, he's balance is very unstable. We recently visited a specialist in CO, but received no help. Can you provide any information on where we might turn? We are seeking any type of help we can get.
Thank you