‘Extreme Makeover’ House has become a real home

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By Meredith Moss, Staff Writer Updated 2:17 PM Monday, November 9, 2009

BEAVERCREEK — The Terpenning house at 548 Carthage Drive doesn’t look quite the same today as it did when ABC production film crews captured it — and the family’s first reaction to it — on Aug. 6.

The premiere of the Beavercreek “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” aired Sunday night, Nov. 8, showcasing the spacious 3,300-square-foot French country-style farm house that nearly tripled the Terpenning’s living space, making it totally accessible to James and his brother, Joe, both in wheelchairs.

Three months later, that house has become a home where the seven-member family lives comfortably and enjoys interacting: tossing basketballs in the twins’ bedroom, putting the baby into his custom-made crib with no worry about dropping him over the railing, playing together on a safe cushioned backyard playground, helping with laundry that no longer requires a trip to the basement, washing dishes in a lowered sink, maneuvering anywhere with never a tight squeeze, a bruised knuckle or a threatening step.

James Terpenning says he’s grateful to all of his families — including the Air Force family that rescued him as an orphan in Vietnam, nominated him for the television program and pitched in to build his new home. “The nicest part is experiencing the generosity of the community,” said Shannon Terpenning.

“It really restores your faith in humanity when you see so many people going out of their way and giving so much of themselves for someone else — without any sort of gain for themselves.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or MMoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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