Extreme Makeover:  Home Edition on ABC  

By Ally Matteodo

ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition continues to make its way across America, with Ty Pennington and his team of designers rebuilding the homes of heroes and spreading joy wherever they journey.  This past Sunday, May 3rd at 8:00 p.m. ET, the team honored a war veteran in North Carolina, handily winning the title of Best TV Show of the Week.  The episode starts out with the designers viewing a tape of the Cooper family.  Patriarch Jeff worked as a combat medic during Operation Desert Storm.  After he returned to the States, he developed Gulf War Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis.  These ailments confined him to a wheelchair, and his wife Clara became his stay-at-home nurse in order to care for him.  In addition to these trials, his son Aaron was hit by a service vehicle, which led to the amputation of his arm. If Jeff had not come to the rescue with his medical expertise, his son would have most likely died.  The Cooper’s home was not well-equipped for Jeff’s handicap.  His wife Clara would struggle to give Jeff a bath, and during these times there was always the risk of him slipping and breaking one of his bones.  Due to the high counters and cabinets in the kitchen, Jeff was never able to assist his wife in cooking.  When Ty asked Jeff what he missed about being able to stand and walk, Jeff replied that he missed dancing with his wife.  The last time they danced was when he proposed to her. 

Ty and his team send the Cooper family to Washington D.C. for a much-deserved vacation and then got to work.  During their time in D.C. the Coopers meet Colin Powell, a moving experience for Jeff in particular.  When Powell gives Jeff a coin, Jeff expresses his feelings of honor and admiration. The Coopers return to find a beautiful house awaiting them in the form of an A-design log cabin that reflects their taste and style.  Jeff now has his freedom back, which is what he so ardently fought for during his service.  The bathroom and are now equipped to assist him with his handicap.  In addition, the designers present Jeff with a state-of-the-art chair that is able to contract and expand, and ultimately allows him to stand upright.  Finally, he and his wife Clara are able to dance.  Ty and his team reflect that after everything Jeff has done for his country, it is only just that he is well-equipped in regards to his abode and its commodities.  Jeff tirelessly worked for the cause of disabled veterans, and it’s wonderful to see others come out in droves, including builder John Norris, to work for him.  Jeff notes that one person can make a difference, and that everyone should try.  His dedication and sense of duty show that Jeff is clearly a man who leads by example—Jeff has proved himself a hero not only in the line of duty, but at home as well.