In the spirit of the inspiring series, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” (EM: HE) ABC has continued to make American dreams come true, by giving away a total of $1,000,000 across the country to help individuals and their local communities in the “Extreme Makeover: American Dream Edition” promotion.

Boston area volunteers and nonprofits received $50,000. WCVB-TV/DT Channel 5 congratulates Deborah Wells and family on receiving $5,000 dollars toward their American Dream and MitoAction.Org which also received $5,000 dollars to put toward the completion of a project at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center that will benefit the hundreds of patients with mitochondrial disease. Mrs. Wells’ son died of mitochondrial disease in 2003 and she currently has another child with Mito receiving treatment at the hospital. Wells is a volunteer of MitoAction.org. WCVB and ABC became acquainted with Wells and MitoAction after hearing their story of volunteerism and recent economic hardship as a result of the current financial crisis in the United States.

SportsCenter 5 Anchor Mike Lynch presented a check to Wells and MitoAction this past May at Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center. In addition, WCVB has partnered with MitoAction and Floating Hospital to utilize some funds provided by ABC and sponsor donations to renovate the clinic that serves many patients with mitochondrial disorders. WCVB was happy to present a new flat screen TV for patients and families to view while in the clinic. The Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins Foundations have also donated items that will be on display in the renovated clinic. The teams will be featured in mural art by artist Joyce Cunningham on the clinic walls.

Mitochondrial disease occurs when the cells of the body are unable to make enough energy for the body’s organs to function. “Families like the Wells face incredible challenges caring for their children with mitochondrial disease, and they look to organizations like MitoAction and Floating Hospital for support,” said Cristy Balcells, Executive Director of MitoAction.org. She added, “Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center is home to an outstanding clinic serving thousands of patients with this incurable disease.”

Community members can volunteer to help complete the project and garner additional donations. To find out what you can do:

MitoAction.org:

Cristy Balcellis (888) 648-6228
director@mitoaction.org

Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center:
Julie Jette (617)636-3265
jjette@tuftsmedicalcenter.org