ABC's "Extreme Makeover" Features Family Helped by Sorority

Woman who fulfilled sister's dying wish aided by MD chapter

Please stay tuned to ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition this Sunday evening! The beneficiary of a new home is the family of Felicia Jackson—a family that has received extensive assistance from Xi Sigma Omega Chapter (Gaithersburg, MD) since 2004.

Felicia has experienced challenges that inspire and uplift. But her narrative is rooted in love that members can appreciate.

In 2004, Felicia's sister, Cassandra died of cervical cancer. Before she passed, she asked Felicia to promise to keep her 10 children together and to love, care for, and raise them just as she would have. Felicia had four children of her own. After keeping her promise, suddenly Felicia's family grew to 14 children, ranging in age from 1 to 14 years. Eleven of the children were in school, and the three youngest stayed home.

Felicia gladly assumed this awesome responsibility because of her love for family. Having grown up in foster care, Cassandra and Felicia had dreamed all of their lives about how they were going to keep their families together. With Cassandra gone, it was up to Felicia to make those dreams come true.

Housing 14 children presented an immediate challenge. When cited for overcrowding in rental property, Felicia sent her own children to stay with relatives within the community to keep her promise of having her nieces and nephews together. Five years later, housing remained an issue.

Felicia's sister, Cassandra died of cervical cancer. Before she passed, she asked Felicia to promise to keep her 10 children together and to love, care for, and raise them just as she would have.

Xi Sigma Omega Chapter learned about this family and immediately started rendering assistance. Over the years, help has been provided through items such as food, Christmas presents, birthday presents, new coats for all of the children, shoes, holiday baskets, school supplies, and entertainment packages. Above all, non-material support has been provided and time devoted to help Felicia meet her family needs.

Extreme Makeover learned about this family and built a house by Classic Homes, a community builder that believes in donating to worthy causes. Xi Sigma Omega members and people throughout the community volunteered to help build the house.

The culmination of their efforts will be shown this Sunday (September 28) on ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Please check your local listing for time. The telecast will highlight this four-year effort that is culminating with their heartfelt story being broadcast on national television!