Extreme Make Over Home Edition Support for Sam and Alex Bode

Hello Everyone:

I just wanted to let you know Sam and Alex Bode have an application in for Extreme Make Over Home Edition hosted by ABC, we have sent hundreds of letters of support now I am turning to the community for their backing for the family. As you are aware or if you are not; Sam and Alex have a rare progressive disease call Freidreichs Ataxia. They were diagnosed in 1994 and have since unfortunately progressed to being in a wheel chair to access everything we all take for granted. The disease has not broken their spirit, sense of humor or there fight to find a cure. Sam and Alex and their Mom Mary are the most up beat, caring individuals I know. Mary is on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week and she still finds time for her friends, family and their community. The disease does not stop Sam and Alex from helping raise money and hope for their disease and others, such as Parkinsons and Alzheimers.

The house they live in was built in 1890 and Mary has struggled with the support of others to make the house accessible for the girls. It has been a major struggle monetarily and emotionally. Mistakes were made to cut cost and now have become issues that need to be dealt with. The girls have poor circulation which is one of the many effects of the disease as well as cardiomyopathy. The winters are very hard on the girls in their home, the heating system is not sufficient and there are holes in the walls as well as horrible roof leaks. There is no garage so to get in to the house you need to use a ramp outside. Rain, snow and ice are a major concern. They all get wet coming and going to the van with the unavoidable occasional tumble. I have witnessed the tumbles and your heart falls to your feet when you are helping to gain control and get Sam or Alex back in to the wheel chair. Mary is healthy and very active however she is unfortunately not getting younger. Lifting Sam and Alex is going to take its toll.

Life can throw unthinkable curve balls at you however; love, support and technology go a long way. They continue to forge ahead with their own misfortune and do what ever they can to support others and their needs. Getting Extreme Make Over Home Editions attention would give them a well deserved break.

Please keep Sam and Alex in your prayers to find a cure soon! If you can also please sign the petition to show your support I would be very appreciative. Lets do this for them, as a community we have done so much but lets not stop herelets give it our all! Jack and I are starting by signing this petition and donating an elevator to ABC if they choose the Bode's. Thank you for your time and concern!