Piestewa's Home Gets an Extreme Makeover; Season Finale Features Native American Family

Native Voice, The › August 04, 2009

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Summary

The Piestewa family was unable to contain their surprise and joy this morning when they heard ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition host Ty Pennington's signature "Good Morning" wake up call from outside their home in Tuba City, Ariz. Pennington and the show's designers arrived at the Piestewas' front door at 7:30 this morning to reveal that they would be the recipients of a new home.

In March 2003, [Lori Piestewa]'s convoy was ambushed in the city of An-Nasiriyah - the same ambush that led to the capture of Pfc. Jessica Lynch who was held for nine days. While serving together in combat, Lynch and Piestewa formed a close friendship. It was during this time that Lori spoke of her desire to someday build a home where her parents could retire. Recalling this conversation, it was Lynch who nominated Piestewa's parents for the home makeover. Since Lori's death, her parents have adopted her two small children, a son age 6 and a daughter age 5.

"Lori was proud of her Hopi heritage and taught all those who knew her about the great riches of her culture. We knew that to ignore that culture in the show would be a great disservice to the Piestewa family and to Lori's memory," said Extreme Makeover: Home Edition producer Andy Lipson. "Recognizing the importance of their heritage, ABC and the Extreme Makeover designers are working with the three tribes to create a home that the family will love and that Lori would be proud of providing for her parents and children."

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Piestewa's Home Gets an Extreme Makeover; Season Finale Features Native American Family

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