Extreme Makeover: Home Edition on ABC

By Ally Matteodo

Ty Pennington and his team of designers are on a roll as ABC’s Extreme Makeover:Home Edition is once again named the Best TV Show of the Week. This season Extreme Makeover focuses on heroes across the states; and in the episode airing on Sunday, March 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET, Lizzie Bell and her family of Tucson, Arizona fulfilled the definition of heroism. Lizzie was born with a rare disease called Diamond Blackfan anemia.  Her body is not able to create enough red blood cells, so she must receive regular blood transfusions in order to survive.  On one occasion she visited a hospital and the blood banks were dangerously low, and in her case this kind of shortage could have proven fatal.  Lizzie decided to take action with her family, and began a foundation named after her grandfather, John Bell.  This foundation encourages blood drives in an effort to make sure everyone who needs blood receives it.  Due to her condition, Lizzie’s immune system is weak, and in turn this made it impossible for the Bell house to receive the renovations it needed.  Renovations would begin, but the dust stirred up by the construction would aggravate Lizzie’s system, and the projects would end unfinished.  Among the problems were exposed plumbing and pipes, lack of insulation, mold, and termites.  Once Ty and his designers arrived, the Bell family was whisked away to New York City for vacation, and the team set to work. 

At the tender age of fourteen, Lizzie Bell proves an inspiration and role model for others.  Without complaining, Lizzie not only set up a foundation to help others in need of blood, but also began another project called “Lizzie’s Loot” that encourages people to give old toys and books to charity for hospitalized children.  Lizzie’s cause was further spread during in her time in NYC.  Extreme Makeover set up a photo shoot with Seventeen magazine for the Bell family, and Lizzie’s photos were paired with an article on her cause.  The way this program synthesizes fun, education, and good-will is truly amazing.  Once again Ty and the team do an excellent job renovating the Bell home, including installing solar panels and other alternative energy sources that are good for the environment as well as cost-effective.  In addition, the Bell family received an eco-friendly Ford Fusion automobile and Red Cross donated $100,000 toward Lizzie’s medical bills.  The coup de grace was Lizzie’s bedroom, specifically designed by Ty.  Her love of fashion is reflected in a desk for her sketches, and a mannequin wearing one of Lizzie’s designs and a tag that says “A positive” -- the name of Lizzie’s blood type and her fashion line.  The creativity and kindness of this program reflects what marvelous feats can be accomplished when citizens band together for a great cause.