Meet the St. Louis ‘Extreme Makeover Home Edition’ family
The St. Louisans chosen for ABC’s “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” are Dawn and Emmanuel Martirez of Shrewsbury. (Pictured: the scene this morning on the Martirez’ street, as photographed by a neighbor.)
Dawn is a pediatric cancer nurse. They have a daughter, Elle, and twin boys, Evan and Alec. According to the information released this morning:
“Evan has an extremely rare genetic condition called 9P minus, and Alec has another uncommon genetic disorder known as Crouzon Syndrome…. Both twins suffer from skeletal abnormalities that require extensive corrective facial and cranial surgeries, with Evan having physical handicaps and mental retardation and Alec being profoundly hearing impaired.”
Dawn Martirez had to give up her job to take care of the twins full time.
“As the boys get older, the home’s cramped narrow hallways, steep stairs, crumbling driveway and single, handicapped inaccessible bathroom are posing great problems for them and slowing their development. Now it is up to Ty (Pennington) and his designers to equip the Martirez’s home to accommodate the twins’ special needs.”
The “EMHE” team (including designers Paige Hemmis, Ed Sanders, Eduardo Xol and John Littlefield) will work with local builders Callier Thompson Shea Construction & Design LLC and Consolidated Construction Group Inc., plus hundreds of volunteers and workers. During the process, the Martirez family will go on vacation to Disney World.
@Hi
Ummm, really? A TV show that is probably making its only trip to STL is a reason to bring up the earnings tax?
Sure makes you sound jealous of the family.
Congrts Martinez family!
I am cynical. However, this show is amazing in what they do for people in need. Have they started building? Too bad the loacl ABC affiliate Channel 30 doesn’t have a local news team to cover the story. Did any local news cover the story??
TO City,
Im sure you dont have the faintest idea what it would be like to have a child, much less two with an rare disease and as many challenges as they have. Who cares if the station gets good ratings for their good deed! They are helping a family greatly in need of a new home and Im sure answering so many of the famils prayers.
You are cold-hearted and Im pretty sure you dont see many good deeds come your way.
Nope, I’m sure I won’t see many good deeds. Though I’m not like a lot of these people walking around with my hand out looking for one, either.
For those of you that are under some misguided notion that this show is a ‘charity’ - think again. Do you think Sears gives away a house full of appliances out of the goodness of their heart? No, they’re doing it for publicity. As are all of the other companies with their logo plastered all over that show.
ABC does this under the guise of helping people, but really it’s just a money maker for all involved: ABC (advertisers), Sears (publicity), Lowes/Home Depot, the home building companies. They’re all getting something out of these shows, and it ain’t just a warm feeling. It’s a cold one - cold hard cash.
City,
You’re missing the point. Who cares if it’s for ratings and business. Their getting a new home. If that means someone else makes a buck. Who cares. They are being given something to help them with their children. Shame on you for calling this a sob story. These parents would probably give their own life if it meant their children could be healthy.
I was disgusted to hear the comments from “city.” Who are you to say these people are going around looking for handouts from people? People like you are what is wrong with this world.
When will the construction start?
Hey Scott,
Lots of non-Christians can be helpful and generous to their fellow man. I would venture to guess that there are a few Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, or even Atheists on staff at Extreme Makeover. Just a thought.
Dawn & Emmanuel (Elle, Evan & Alec too) are EXTREMELY deserving. I worked with Emmanuel, they are the ANTI-sob story. They don’t dwell on the fact that their children have these rare diseases. They celebrate the life they have and are very much an inspiration to anyone that knows them. They have FANTASTIC attitudes and never let you see them down. No matter how hard things must get. They are VERY deserving of this. We wanted to sign them up for this, but he left our company before we ever moved forward on this. I am so greatful for whomever nominated the Martirez family. When I found out EMHE was coming to St. Louis, I signed up to help…not knowing who was going to be picked…not really caring…just wanting to help. I’m so blessed to know that I am helping on a family that I know, personally, and believe deep in my heart is the perfect recipient.
Gosh, if i saw Ty yelling so obnoxiously outside my house I would be the first to throw rotten eggs at him. I’m tired of that show. If these home makeovers were not aired they would never get done. It’s all about advertising for the providers of the materials used and for ratings. There always has to be a sob story. It makes for more income for the network. The mention of it being Hollywood’s Christian side just makes it sound even more sick. Me, a non-christian, thinks the godly way of providing a new home for this deserving family would be to do the same thing only without all the yelling and the “look at me !” attitude. Do it because it is the right thing to do, not because you get your face on television.
I am sure the Martinez family deserves help. But it is something they should be getting without a tv show. Would Sears and all the others just pull up, unload, and install appliances without all the cameras ? I don’t think so….