Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
Extreme Makeover Home Edition traveled to Ty Pennington‘s home state of Georgia, where they surprised the Rucker family in Madison. 9 year-old Anaiah Rucker was hit by a truck while pushing younger sister, Camry, to safety back in February. Extreme Makeover Home Edition helped them with a new accessible home. Orlando Magic player Dwight Howard stops by to help out.
Mom, Andrea, recalls the morning of Anaiah’s accident as the episode kicks off. Anaiah suffered massive injuries, had her leg amputated, has undergone extensive rehabilitation, and is wheelchair-bound. Extreme Makeover Home Edition plans to build them an accessible home free of obstacles, in which straight-A student, Anaiah, can continue her studies – she plans to one day become a lawyer or doctor.
Grandmother, Angeline, explains what a new home would mean to the family. Andrea has struggled to look after Anaiah, and had to give up her own studies toward a nursing degree. Despite the challenges, Andrea still volunteers for the local Boys & Girls Club. Anaiah loves basketball, and tells Ty Pennington her favorite player is Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic.
Ty explains that the community has donated a plot of land to build them a new home on. They all take the bus to the spot, where the volunteers and Pilot Builders are waiting to greet them. Ty tells the Rucker family they are going to the Walt Disney Resort in Florida for the week!
Ty contacts the Rucker family in Florida and tells Anaiah he wants her to meet Katie Holloway, an amputee who plays college basketball and on the Paralympic Volleyball team as well. Anaiah meets up with Katie in a sports complex. Katie surprises her by calling out Dwight Howard. Anaiah is thrilled.
Michael Moloney is working on a circular bookcase which will rotate for Anaiah to access books easily on her own. The other designers admire it. Ty gathers the volunteers together to contact the Rucker family and let Anaiah hear from some people who have been inspired by her, and who have worked to raise funds to help the family. Loretta Barryman, who performed CPR on Anaiah on the scene and saved her life, is given recognition, and Michael tells the family they’ve made 10,000 bottle cap necklaces to be sold.
When the Rucker family returns, Ty gives truck driver Terry a chance to say a few words to the family. Andrea tells him it wasn’t his fault, and thanks him for staying to help her daughter. Katie and Dwight are on hand for the chant to move the bus.
In the backyard, Xzibit shows off their playhouse, splash pad, and a waterproof wheelchair for Anaiah. Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard lets the family know he has donated $50,000 to their family to help with medical expenses. Ty welcomes the Rucker family home.
You can catch the FULL episode HERE