(1888PressRelease)
May 21, 2009 - Terri Cerda and her two daughters, Molly and Maggie, suffer from Combined Immune Deficiency Disease (CIDD), one of the most severe forms of over 150 types of primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDD). Even exposure to a mild cold is life threatening for them, always turning to pneumonia. At only 6 and 8 years old, Molly and Maggie are essentially homebound and have to receive regular medical treatment at home, including twice weekly plasma infusions.
The Cerdas were living in a house contaminated with black mold and plagued with structural issues from shoddy construction. It was a dangerous place for a family who suffers from an immune disease, and was literally threatening their lives. Following the nomination of the family by their community, the Cerdas were chosen by producers for this season of Extreme Makeover Home Edition; a season celebrating heroes. The Cerda episode, titled “a Home for Molly and Maggie” aired this past Mother’s Day, May 10th.
Las Vegas Heroes
Despite her condition, Terri works tirelessly to take care of Molly and Maggie as their nurse, teacher, and mom, and teaches them to share each other’s talents and strengths and to give back to the community. At only 7 years of age, Molly was a recipient of the Kohl’s Kids Who Care Regional Scholarship for her own outstanding contribution to her community, even though she struggles with her own life threatening condition. Terri and her husband, Chuck, lead by example. Chuck is a Homeland Security police officer, who helps countless victims to national disasters and other crises. Terri is founder of two non-profit organizations. Through “Artful Hearts”, Terri has created murals for clinics, foundations, and other organizations that help children who have life-threatening medical conditions. And with “National Homebound Children’s Education Foundation” (www.homeboundkids.org), they are helping ensure that children who are homebound long-term as a result of illness or disease are able to receive a complete education within the confines of their own home. Terri, disabled by her own battle with PIDD, has been unable to receive IVIG treatment for her condition because of high co-pay costs and insufficient Medicare reimbursement. She has been working as a volunteer advocate for the Immune Deficiency Foundation to find resolution for the issues from a legislative standpoint, but worries that one infection could affect her ability to care for Molly and Maggie.
As more than 20 million viewers watched the episode on May 10th, they saw an extraordinary home built for Molly a Maggie. The 2900 square foot home was the result of an incredible, heartfelt effort of thousands of volunteers from the Las Vegas community; an effort that will never be forgotten. Because of technology within the home, it will not only serve as a rich learning environment for the children, but will also give the children a better chance at staying well and extending their lives. The Cerda home is not only a family home, but is a school, a hospital, and an office from which they share their many talents with the local, national, and global community. But as the Cerdas celebrate their incredible gift of a new home, they are now realizing the full impact of the gift, including a mortgage that will rise to accommodate the new home.
While donations are raised during the build for most families featured on Extreme Makeover to help with medical bills, expenses or mortgage payments by members of the local community, the Cerdas did not receive any monetary help or donations. Many have assumed that the Cerdas’ mortgage was paid, but this was not the case. With rising bills and medical expenses, Terri and Chuck, continue to struggle to keep up and are faced with the reality of possibly losing their new home.
As friends and families watched the episode, they realized that while one aspect of the Cerdas’ lives was made better, their financial challenge was magnified. A family struggling to keep a small savings to cope with the frequent medical crises and related travel expenses will now struggle to keep and maintain a home that was lovingly meant to make their lives better.
Paying It Forward
The local Las Vegas community, including neighbors and friends of the Cerda family, is asking for help to ensure that Molly and Maggie are able to stay in this safe-haven that keeps them healthy and ultimately extends their lives. The community knows that helping the Cerdas will in turn help thousands of others because of their unwavering commitment to helping other families in need through charity and advocacy.
Robin Goodman, a family friend said “The Cerda family is an inspiring and deserving family. They have an amazing amount of faith and hope which is awesome considering what they deal with everyday.” Another member of the local Las Vegas community, Mark Schoenfeldt, said “After meeting Mrs. Cerda and Molly and Maggie for the first time I couldn't believe how funny and amazing this family is. I immediately thought of my own wife, and my daughter who is around the same age as Maggie, and I couldn't imagine going through life the way they have. Meeting the Cerda family has inspired me to be a better husband and father to my own family and to reach out to deserving families everywhere.” The local community is hoping to raise enough funds to make sure the Cerdas are able to keep their home.
All tax-deductible donations to the family can be made through, and will be managed by Sparrow Clubs USA (www.sparrowclubs.org) under the project “Sparrow for Molly and Maggie”. As the nation's only youth-based charity of its kind, Sparrow Clubs not only provides financial and emotional support for critically ill children and their families, but also empowers young people to help a child through charitable service experiences.
Send Donations to:
Sparrow Project Name: “Sparrow for Molly and Maggie”
Sparrow Clubs USA
www.sparrowclubs.org
906 NE Greenwood Ave Suite 2
Bend, OR 97701
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