Story Created:
Jan 16, 2010 at 11:46 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Apr 4, 2010 at 10:28 PM CDT
10-year-old Joey Nelson is suffering from Mitochondria, a form of Muscular Distrophy.
His life is far from normal, and for his family medical bills cut their ability to live comfortably.
"Your hopes and dreams take on another turn in life. You take care of the needs you have to take care of, and other things get put on the back burner," said Steve Nelson.
On the back burner was a new handicap accessible home for the family.
So, when Extreme Makeover: Home Edition came to the Ozarks, it was their chance.
But when Hollywood didn't knocking on their door, someone else did.
"We just kept thinking, we really need to make this happen. They still need a home that's suitable for Joey's needs," said Tina Coddington.
Tina Coddington is organizing an effort called Build Joey's House, bringing the community together to build the family a new home-free of charge.
Now, with blueprints drawn and contractors committed, the project is a go, with or without Extreme Makeover's help.
"I knew when God closed that door, He never closes one door unless He opens another one. I was excited about what was behind that other door. None of us knew what was behind the other door, but He did," said Nelson.
The family's submission video to ABC outlined the struggles Joey faces simply trying to get around in the yard and even inside his home.
"In this house, Joey's current wheel chair won't even fit through his bedroom door. The wheels are too big, and they hit right here on the edges of the door," said Nelson.
But in a few short months the Nelsons will leave their single-wide mobile home, and will enter a new house and a new life, one that organizers hope fundraising efforts will make easier, even after the build.
"When they're finished we'd still like to have money left over to help with expenses and Joey's medical funds," said Coddington.
And that's where you come in. There are still ways you can get involved in this project, whether it's donating services or money.
GET INVOLVED:
Organizers of Build Joey's House will hold a planning meeting Tuesday, January 19th at 7:00 PM in the Fair Grove United Methodist Church.
Info on the build is also available at www.buildjoeyshouse.org
Story ideas or comments? Email me at wcarter@kspr.com
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