Editorial: ‘Extreme’ good news

Published 12:00 am Thursday, November 12, 2009

Through the magic of hard work and generosity, the Creasey family of Lexington is about to get a new home. And a TV show is making it happen.
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is entering its seventh season of presenting the opposite of what most reality shows feature. Where other shows reveal greed, vanity and back-stabbing, “Extreme” focuses on hard work, generosity, compassion and selflessness.
William and Tricia Creasey will be the beneficiaries. They moved into what they thought would be a fixer-upper, then learned Tricia had cancer. She has kept up her teaching schedule, and William is working, but home improvement became less of a priority as they dealt with Tricia’s medical needs and raised their three children.
Enter “Extreme Makeover,” a concept so full of good will, it’s enough to make a cynic admit there is worthwhile programming on TV. With the help Hedrick Creative Building of Lexington and Makson Plumbing and Construction of Salisbury, “Extreme Makeover” has arranged for a two-story, 3,100-square foot house to be built for the Creaseys in 106 hours ó the show’s 165th home. All materials and labor are donated.
The Creaseys will not be the only beneficiaries. The volunteers typically come away changed by the experience, blessed by the act of giving just as the Creaseys will be by receiving. This is the kind of uplifting news everyone needs. Kudos to “Extreme Makeover” and everyone who contributes to this project. We could use more good news like this.