When members of the Creasey family went on vacation yesterday, they left behind a 1,180-square-foot house that was badly in need of repairs. When they return next week, they will have a new, 3,100-square-foot home, thanks to the ABC reality-television series Extreme Makeover Home Edition and close to 1,500 volunteers.
"It's like I'm in a dream," Tricia Creasey said as she and her husband, William, stood outside their house on Allred Road.
The family -- which also includes three daughters, Brittany, 12, and twins Makenzie and Makayla, 5 -- needed some good news. Tricia was found to have colon cancer three years ago and has been undergoing chemotherapy and surgery. The bills have left the family unable to repair their house, which has cracks in the foundation; holes in the floor, walls and roof; water damage; and no insulation.
Tricia teaches seventh-grade science and social studies at Brown Middle School in Thomasville, and she refused to stop teaching even while she was undergoing treatments.
The Creaseys have watched Extreme Makeover Home Edition on TV for years, William said, but they never expected to be part of the show.
Then some friends nominated them.
The Creaseys learned a few weeks ago that they were one of five families in the Triad being considered for a home makeover.
They found out that they had been selected when camera crews arrived at their door yesterday about noon.
All the attention scared the twins, who ran in the opposite direction when the knock came at the door, William said.
Yesterday, the family was sent to Walt Disney World for the weekend and a crew came to the house to pack up all the belongings.
This morning, the house will be demolished. Then, construction will begin on a new house and will continue 24 hours a day through Monday.
In addition to having more space, the four-bedroom, 21/2-bath house will be environmentally friendly, built with an eye toward energy and water efficiency and air quality.
Jason Hedrick, the owner of Hedrick Creative Building in Lexington, is overseeing the construction. He has been making preparations for several weeks now, calling on subcontractors and scouting out volunteers to help with the project. So many volunteers came out, he said, that he eventually had to stop taking applications.
"It's a humongous relief to finally get started," Hedrick said.
"I think it's an awesome thing to be involved in."
Many local businesses are contributing equipment, services, workers or sponsorships to the project. On Monday, a design team will take over to furnish and decorate the house. On Tuesday afternoon, the Creaseys will return to see the end result.
William Creasey said he was overwhelmed to see the community turning out to help his family.
"We can't say thank you enough," he said.
tclodfelter@wsjournal.com
727-7371
More information, including details for people who want to visit the build site, can be found at www.hedrickextreme.com.
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