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EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION
Air Date: Sunday, October 05, 2008
Time Slot: 8:00 PM-9:00 PM EST on ABC
Episode Title: (#602) "Akers Family"
[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

"EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION" BUILDS A BETTER AND MORE ACCESSIBLE HOME FOR TWO DAUGHTERS DIAGNOSED WITH SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY THAT LEAVES THEM CONFINED TO THEIR BEDS

The Jonas Brothers and Cincinnati Reds Pitcher Bronson Arroyo Make an Appearance

"Akers Family" -- "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" travels to West Chester, Ohio to inform the Akers family that their bi-level home will be completely remodeled in only seven days. This renovation is necessary, for the home has become an obstacle to the family's comfort, safety and quality of life. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" airs SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Greg and Ginger bought their home in the hopes of starting a family and sending their children to the incredible schools that the community has. A year after they got married in 1997, they had their first child, Christian, followed by Brooke in 2000, and Faith in 2004. Although their children were presumably healthy at birth, they were eventually diagnosed with life-threatening conditions. Christian was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and both Brooke and Faith were diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. In school Brooke gets around in a 200-pound wheelchair, which unfortunately does not fit inside the house, leaving her primarily bed-ridden. Brooke and Faith can only move if someone carries them, and Ginger has already suffered a hiatus hernia -- a hernia in her esophagus -- from lifting the growing girls. Despite their conditions, the children are a constant source of hope and admiration to their parents and others around them. Faith is a preschooler who loves her dolls, Christian plays five sports, and Brooke cheerleads at his games. Due to the almost insurmountable medical bills, Greg and Ginger cannot afford to renovate or relocate, leaving their children to live in a home too small for their needs and free spirits. It is now up to Ty and the designers to make the Akers' home more accessible, giving the family a brighter and more comfortable future.

In addition, the Jonas Brothers of Disney Channel's hit series "Living the Dream," stop by, and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo makes an appearance.

While Ty and the designers, local builder Dallis Designer Homes and hundreds of volunteers and workers are rebuilding their home, the Akers family will go on vacation to San Francisco.

The design team for this episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" will feature team leader Ty Pennington and designers Paul DiMeo, Michael Moloney, Paige Hemmis and Ed Sanders.

The series is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It's executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is broadcast with Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning. A TV parental guideline will be posted closer to airdate.

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