Story Created:
Apr 4, 2010 at 10:26 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Apr 4, 2010 at 10:26 PM CDT
In just a week, thousands of Ozarkers created a new life for the Hampton family.
Now, the winners of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition say they'd like to see that same support for the Nelsons of Fair Grove, even if the star power is gone.
"It's the community that puts it together. They are the ones that supply everything from the nails, to the wood, to the labor, to the furniture, everything that's put into it," said Niki Hampton.
The Nelsons were runners up on the hit ABC show, but their story wasn't heard by millions.
Their 10-year-old son Joey is suffering from Mitochondria, a form of Muscular Dystrophy, that makes life in their small mobile home difficult.
Since we first talked to the family in January, the community of Fair Grove raised thousands and donated time and supplies to begin building the family a new home.
"We thought that it was going to take longer than this, but the outpouring of donations and everything, we're hoping to break ground in the next couple of weeks now," said Steve Nelson.
Just this past week the Hamptons and the Nelsons met for the first time, and the two have joined forces.
"Right from the get go, it sparked an interest with us. We said after we got back last year, we were going to pay it forward, and try to give back to the community, and it was just the first opportunity," said Chris Hampton.
The Nelsons say they live by the saying that for every door that closes another opens, and they say the help everyone is providing is greatly appreciated.
"Everything the community is doing is contributing to his health. How do you thank a community for doing that," asked Tamara Nelson.
Over the weekend several fundraisers were held for "Build Joey's House."
The project is still about 15-thousand dollars short of funding.
There are also several items that still need to be donated.
For much more information on how you can help or upcoming fundraisers, check out the Build Joey's House website.
You can also view Joey's Story and more about the family by viewing our original KSPR report.
Story ideas or comments? Email Will Carter at wcarter@kspr.com
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