"EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION" DESIGN CREW SURPRISES THE RHODES FAMILY IN COLUMBUS, OHIO

Rock Superstars Journey and 65 Santa Clauses Help the Effort

"Rhodes Family," Parts 1 & 2 -- "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" travels to Columbus, Ohio to surprise the Rhodes family with the door knock that can change lives, on an episode airing FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 (8:00-9:00 and 9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

The Rhodes family is tight-knit, hardworking, loving and joyous, and have lived in their neighborhood for more than five generations. The Rhodes have always put family first. So when Grandpa James and Grandma Jackie's (also known as the neighborhood's beloved "Big Momma") adult daughter, Makia, was diagnosed with a potentially deadly brain tumor, leaving her unable to work and in need of daily care, they did not hesitate to take Makia and her kids into their 941-square foot home.

Now there are seven people living in this small dilapidated home, and although Makia has made progress, she's still experiencing mental delays and difficulties - so she relies on her parents' support every day. Despite the very cramped quarters and difficult conditions, the Rhodes still manage to exude joy, laughter and love in an inspiring example of family devotion and sacrifice.

The "EM:HE" design team has just seven days to build a home that's larger, safe and whose beauty reflects that of the family living within. The "EM:HE" team was helped by the members of the band Journey, whose anthem, "Don't Stop Believin,'" is James Rhodes' motto. In addition, 65 Santa Clauses from the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas assisted in a very merry demolition of the old home. The Rhodes family have been whisked away on a dream vacation to the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa while "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" team leader Ty Pennington, designers Michael Maloney, Tracy Hutson, Sabrina Soto and local builders P&D Builders, Ltd., as well as community volunteers, build the structure. And, as a very early Christmas present, the family learn that their mortgage has been paid off.

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. This program carries a TV-PG parental guideline.