Extreme Make over in Tucson

From ABC
An inspiring story of giving back as a teen with a rare blood disease becomes an American Red Cross hero.

We find 14-year old Lizzie Bell to be truly inspirational as we hear her story. She was born with a rare blood condition—and is unable to produce blood cells. The condition is so rare that only 700 kids in the world have this disease. It’s heartbreaking to hear that she must undergo blood transfusions every 2-3 weeks to stay alive. And if she gets sick, she must be hospitalized.

As a young girl, Lizzie’s mom took her to visit the local blood bank—they were both shocked, as you undoubtedly are, too—to find how depleted the blood supply was. The refrigerators were almost empty! The family took action into their own hands, establishing the John P. Bell Foundation, and for ten years now, Lizzie along with her family, has worked hard to raise awareness about the need to donate blood. Lizzie has been awarded the Red Cross Hero Award for her ambassadorship for donating blood.

It’s devastating as we find that while this family had dedicated themselves to helping others—their own home has been neglected because of Lizzie’s expensive medical treatments. It’s wrenching to see the gaping cracks in the cement floors, and see the mold and termite problems. These are all the more intense because of Lizzie’s condition and weakened immune system.

Ty, the designers and a crew of volunteers arrive in Tuscon to help the Bells continue their good work by giving them a comfortable and healthy home. Once again, by watching, we come to realize how we can all give back just a little more from this unique story of a special girl.

all photos copyright of ABC’s extreme makeover