| This letter was written by Alexis' pediatrician. He downloaded the ABC Extreme Makeover Home Edition application to nominate them. (I removed his last name for privacy reasons) |
| Part 2) YOUR FAMILY'S STORY Please summarize your family's current situation and how it affects you and your home. Why do you need a makeover? What makes you deserving? What makes your situation unique? My name is David XXX and I hope you'll consider the Booth family for Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I am the family's pediatrician and have been so since Alexis, their oldest child was born 15 years ago. The family lives in Ramona, CA and recently lost their home and business in the fires that came through San Diego the 3rd week of October. The parents are Robert and Nichole, and they have 4 children, Alexis, Charlie, Oliver and Kiriann. Nichole is pregnant with their 5th child now. Robert has a business that services wells in the area, and during the fire, they not only lost their home but also most of the equipment that Robert uses for his business. Their insurance is not adequate to replace their losses. I feel like I know the family as well as any "outsider" could. Alexis was born with a cyst of the brain almost 4 months prematurely. This cyst required numerous surgeries and the definitive surgery to remove the cyst left her dependent on a respirator 24 hours a day, and she has poor to absent function of the left side of her body. I have lost count of the number of times she has been admitted to the hospital with pneumonia or infections of the shunt in her brain that was needed after her last brain surgery. Despite what might seem like a dismal prognosis, Alexis is functional from her wheelchair. She attends school with an aide and for several years has participated as a cheerleader for Pop Warner. She is conversational and bright, and far more active and functional than any physician could have ever predicted. This family is the most positive and least complaining, most thankful group of individuals I have personally ever met in the 26 years of practicing pediatrics. They are invariably are smiling every time I see them. The effort to raise a child with Alexis' disability has never seemed like adversity to them, and they have managed their lives with a dignity and humility that I find humbling. You must receive hundreds of applications daily. Having watched your show myself, I feel this family is most worthy of your attention. Please give them your most careful consideration. David XXX, MD, FAAP 11-1-07 |