The Extreme Home Makeover crew came to Maple Heights to rebuild a home for the Anderson Family back in October. The episode airing December 5th is expected to focus on a family coping with vision disabilities. Little did they know that the crew's presence and family selection would renew hope for thousands of people throughout the greater Cleveland area.
People from surrounding communities such as Mentor, Strongsville and Medina came out to watch the Makeover crew, Marous Brother Construction along with hundreds of volunteers reconstruct the Anderson's home from ground up.
One woman came out to visit the construction site after watching the family's story on the news. The single mother with diabetes connected to the health aspect of the Anderson's story sharing, "It's a reminder of how important it is that I take care of my health for my children's sake."
Mike, Lizzy and their son Steven from Northfield drove to the site everyday. The family was inspired by how the crew worked so efficiently and quickly together without incident. Mike, who was out of work at the time, in particular found the flurry of activity fascinating stating, "We have been here everyday. Sometimes we stand for a couple of hours, go have lunch then return to continue watching them build. I would come back even if my wife and son didn't want to come. I watch, think about my situation and it (the progress of the construction) reminds me that nothing is impossible."
Others like Maple Heights resident Sydney, 11, were star stuck stating "I can't believe this is happening so close to where I live. I feel like a celebrity."
People like Jane and Megan, two sisters from Mentor made a special trip out that Saturday in hopes of meeting celebrities like the show's host Ty Pennington.
The show will bring you the Anderson's family story however it may not capture moments like the disappointed but excited Maple Heights High School Cheerleaders standing the rain unable to cheer for the family or crowd on the day of the big reveal.
Views also may not get a chance to see how Marous Brother Construction Company raised additional money for the family by raffling off tickets to excited on-lookers.
On the day of the big reveal, thousands waited patiently for the Anderson family to arrive. Most of the crowd did not disburse until the family walked inside their new home. As Marquise Jackson of Maple Heights put it, "None of this will feel complete until the family walks inside their new house." She went on to share enthusiastically with tears in her eyes, "I am so happy for the Anderson family. I can't believe that house is here. It's a mansion and I feel like its apart of all of us. I am so proud to say I live in Maple Heights!"
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