A Knight in Dragonland » Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Unbreakable Spirit

Knight in Dragonland — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:05:18 +0000

Jake Grys has his independence, and that is truly wonderful … but this is not the end of the story. Jake still has a severe form of osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease. This charming little boy with the infectious smile will still break bones with painful frequency. No matter how safe his new home may be, this amazing ambassador of hope is still at great risk of dieing far too young. That hasn’t changed. Nor has this event changed the lives of the many other children with OI (estimated at 20-50 thousand in the U.S.) or equally disabling conditions … unless we do something about it.

If you have been inspired by Jake’s story and the Grys family, please give in whatever way that you can to organizations such as the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, Easter Seals and Special Olympics. The hard work has only just begun.

* Unbreakable Spirit is the motto imprinted on the charity wristbands put out by the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation.

Extreme Makeover: Pekin/Grys Family Edition

Knight in Dragonland — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:46:46 +0000

Watch the local special at 6 and the show itself at 7 on ABC tonight!

Knight in a Hardhat

Knight in Dragonland — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:58:10 +0000

Hat Tip: Shannon Tebben Sandoval, photographer.

Extreme Makeover: Jake & the Grys Family Still Need Help!

Knight in Dragonland — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:27:09 +0000

I received a call this morning from Angie DeLost, the occupational therapist at Easter Seals who was primarily responsible for getting the Jake’s Independence petition started. She asked me to spread the word … Jake and his family still need help, and the best way people can help right now is by dollar donations.

The Journal Star had an article today quoting that $130,000 is needed to pay off the Grys family’s old mortgage. The figure is correct, but it’s not just to pay for the mortgage. A big chunk of that money is to pay for medical bills for Jake and the twins,

Donations can be made at any National City branch to the Design Built Homes Extreme Fund. You can also donate at the build site or online. None of the money contributed goes to ABC. It all goes to the Grys family to pay the old mortgage AND the mammoth medical bills they’ve accumulated caring for these special kids.

I know times are tough, but please … give a few dollars for Jake and his family. I can’t think of anyone possibly more deserving of your generosity. Thanks!

Extreme Makeover: Pekin Edition

Knight in Dragonland — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:51:52 +0000

Good morning Grys family!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Door Knock TOMORROW!!!

Knight in Dragonland — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:34:55 +0000

Tomorrow is the big day! All evidence points to the Grys family, but we don’t know for sure until Ty Pennington whips out the bullhorn on 14th Street.

I’ll be volunteering Friday 10/24 from noon to 4 PM, and Sunday 10/26 from 8 PM to midnight. Sign up and join the fun!

One Week Until Extreme Makeover!

Knight in Dragonland — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:00:24 +0000

I’m pullin’ for Jake!