Another Extreme Makeover Loss
Move That Bus!
When the Extreme Makeover crew arrives on the scene in any given community, it’s like the circus has come to town. TV cameras from the show, as well as from area TV stations converge on the scene to catch a glimpse of all the action. People from all over fill the streets in hopes of catching a glimpse of host Ty Pennington. Wrecking balls come in and demolish a house, and right before the eyes of all those gathered, a new house goes up in its place.
When the crew leaves, secrecy continues as no one is supposed to see inside the house until the show airs on TV. Then, when all that excitement fades away, what happens? Many times the once excited family is left holding the bag, looking at mounting bills, with no way to pay them.
In August I wrote about this in a post entitled Extreme Makeover…Hidden Costs. At that point in time, I was discussing what might happen to an area family blessed with a visit from Ty and his crew.
Today however, I’m writing about a true life story where a family who was once over-joyed with their makeover, finds themselves looking for handouts to survive.
When The Lights Fade On The Makeover
A deaf couple in Michigan avoided foreclosure after receiving thousands of dollars in donations so they could make a payment on their house that was revamped on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The ABC reality program refurbished Larry and Judy Vardon’s home in 2004 to better accommodate their blind and autistic son. However, since the makeover upgrade, the Vardon’s mortgage payment has doubled. On top of the doubled mortgage payment value, the family’s medical insurance does not cover all of their 16 year old’s treatment for autism.
However, thanks to the kindness of strangers, the Vardon’s will avoid losing the Oakland County, Michigan home, for now. The couple recently told an area newspaper that they did not ask for any money. They credit recent media coverage which raised awareness of their financial situation.
Where are the people connected with the Extreme Makeover show?
In the past when stories have surfaced about families facing problems, there’s nothing but silence from Ty and the gang. Making matters worse, when a family is faced with having to sell their made-over house, the producers of the reality TV show complain very loudly. Why? Because it’s bad publicity for the hit TV reality show. However, stories such as the one about the Michigan family should raise a number of concerns on many levels. Once again we discover reality TV shows are nothing more than a ratings grabber. When the dust settles, those involved are left standing alone, facing issues they never faced before.
Is the hype surrounding an Extreme Makeover worth it? Not if it means losing you house when all is said and done.
Just my two cents,
Dr. Rus
