About Extreme Hope Project

The Extreme Hope Project is about a community coming together to renovate the home of the Myslivecek Family. In May of 2007, this family was nominated for the Extreme Home Makeover show, however, to date we have not received a response. With the initiation of the Project Team and the support of a very gracious community, the goal is to raise enough funds to perform our very own 'Home Makeover' for this very deserving family.

Our Goal

The goal for the Extreme Hope Project is to give the gift of a "New Beginning" to Dean, Tammie, Alyssa, Abigal and David Myslivecek, by having their existing home, on Union Street in North Chili, NY renovated and expanded. This gift will be given to them by the community who has embraced and loved them through some of the most darkest and difficult times of their lives.

Many times in our hectic daily lives it is easy to forget the gifts that were given to US along the way... a devoted teacher, who not only teaches science, but who truly cares and leaves a lasting impression in his students heart, a dedicated mother who loves her children and her children's friends, a soccer coach who guides his team with compassion, a devoted wife who stands by her husband and ensures her family's stability, a family who devotes free time to other charities... always giving, a family glorifying their Creator, through the good times and the bad...

This project is that once in a lifetime opportunity to take a "minute" from our hectic lives to remember the gifts that were, quietly, given to us along the way by this beautiful family. Gifts that are both seen and unseen. An opportunity for this community to come together, to reach out beyond our comfort zone and help "Renovate a neighbor's home, One Heart and One hand at a time." Showing them we do care and want to, once again, embrace them, but this time through a brighter and happier time of their lives!!

How it Started
By founders Sandi and Lou Moneta of Chili, Ny

Hearing about the tragedy, pain and struggles going on in the Myslivecek family came to us first when our daughter Sarina had Dean Myslivecek for her 11th grade science teacher, 2005-2006.

Dean has been a very loved and respected science teacher at Gates Chili High School for 17 years. His oldest son, Daniel, was battling Stage IV Metastastic Melanoma. Mr. "M", as his students would call him, would not hesitate to bring into the classroom the painful journey that he and his family was facing; the uncertainties, the good days and the bad ... teaching his chemistry class and "life lessons' along the way.

Sarina would keep us up to date with what was happening, bringing it home for us to share. She grew very close and compassionate about the sufferings of Mr. M and his family. It was quite hard for her at times, as she had a number of opportunities to spend time with Daniel socially and saw first hand what a courageous angel he really was. He inspired her deeply.

Daniel lost his battle in the summer of 2006. As a family, we joined Sarina at the funeral and again at Daniel's service.

I remained in contact with the family, through cards and brief encounters with them. In January of 2007 (only 6 months after Daniel's death), their daughter, Abigal, was diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia, a very serious blood disorder. Once hearing how this family was struck once again with tragedy, Sarina and I didn't hesitate to visit Abigal and her family during her hospital stays at Strong Memorial Hospital. Throughout this time, we became even closer to the family. It was also throughout this time I realized this family was having great difficulties with keeping up with much needed repairs on their home. This is when my husband became more involved, he would go to their home to do what he could, and at times I would join him. It was evident that the home was in need of major repair and expansion, the home is not big enough, nor safe enough to accommodate a growing family of five.

This is when I approached Dean and Tammie with the idea of nominating them for the Extreme Home Makeover Show. When the show made no contact with us, after 7 months of waiting, my husband and I, on a cold winter evening, in January of 2008, decided to see if we could still make this dream happen ... with the community.