By Daniel Human
BUNKER HILL — The Cowan-Brown family members walked down the driveway of their rural Miami County home.
A throng clad in blue T-shirts and holding a banner with “Hallmark Homes” stretched across it roared with applause. TV star Ty Pennington and rapper Xzibit were among the horde waving good-bye as the Bunker Hill family hopped into a white stretch limousine.
The stretch Ford Excursion drove 10 feet to the end of the driveway, stopped, and backed up toward the big blue crowd.
The scene’s first take ended for ABC TV show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” and family repeated the process with the limo.
The stretch SUV took the Cowan-Brown family to the airport where it left for Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. The family will spend the next week on the West Coast while thousands of volunteers build a new home, free of charge, at 11040 S. 100 West in Miami County.
The family was almost speechless during a press conference Wednesday afternoon.
Earlier that day, Heather and Andy Cowan, who have lived in their former-barn house in southern Miami County for seven years, awoke to Pennington’s voice booming through a mega phone.
The family, which also includes Kori Brown, 12, Ryan Brown, 16, Trevor Brown, 13, and Mason Cowan, 8, tumbled down the stairs when they heard the commotion.
“It probably wasn’t the most graceful exit our family has ever had,” Andy Brown said jokingly.
Pennington and company told the Cowan-Browns they had to get their belongings out of the house so demolition crews could take it down. By Tuesday, they should have a new home.
“It’s very wonderful, and I know it hasn’t hit yet,” Heather Cowan said during the press conference.
The family underwent an application and interview process lasting several months before ABC selected it as the recipients of a new house.
The network chose the family largely because of Kori, who has a congenital blood disease that has weakened her immune system. During her frequent trips to Riley Hospital for Children, she befriended a cancer patient. Since then, she has helped raise more than $35,000 for the American Cancer Society in honor of her friend.
The family’s house has caused some problems that has split them apart.
About five years ago, mold began growing on the first floor. Kori has developed polyps, and doctors believe the mold is responsible. Ryan has also developed medical problems, and he has moved in with his biological father because of his health.
“I just hope you understand that you guys have saved our family,” Heather Cowan said as she choked back tears. She referred to the family’s friends, neighbors, the volunteers, the show and everyone else helping with the project.
The construction project is scheduled to officially begin today.
Demolition is set to begin about 10 a.m. At that time, a 106-hour clock — a little less than 4 1/2 days — will begin. Volunteers will work around the clock until the house is complete.
The family will get the introductory tour of their new home on Tuesday when Pennington does his “Move That Bus” segment for the show.
Derek Wilder, CEO for Anderson-based general contractor Hallmark Homes Inc., which is the firm helping ABC design the house, said he didn’t have finalized designs for the house Wednesday, but he would release further details as the project continues.
Hallmark Homes’ approximately 25 employees will work with “Extreme Makeover’s” design team during the week as they develop plans for the custom home, Wilder said.
Wednesday’s taping began drawing in a crowd of spectators, including government leaders from the area.
Peru Mayor Jim Walker said he wanted to wish the family well before it left for Disneyland and he would pick up a hammer and help out.
“Right now, we’re just appreciative for the show,” Walker said. “When the show airs, I think it is going to show a good light for the community and the county.”
Diane Korman, a senior vice president for “Extreme Makeover,” said Monday the show’s producers are hoping to set an attendance record of 30,000 spectators at the taping throughout the week.
The show’s crew has set up a designated spectator area on the south end of the block where the filming is taking place. Security personnel will be on-site to direct people to where they need to go.
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If You Go
What: Taping of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”
When: 24/7 until Tuesday
Where: 11040 S. 100 West, Miami County
