Church member to be featured on ‘Extreme Makeover Home Edition’

Don Gardner Jr., a member of the Mayfair Church of Christ in Huntsville, Ala., is slated to appear on an episode of “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” this spring.

The crew of the popular ABC reality show visited Chattanooga, Tenn., recently to construct a home for Patrick Sharrock and his family. Patrick has Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or OI, commonly known as brittle bone disease.
Don, who also has OI, met Patrick five years ago at a conference for people with the genetic bone disorder. The two have been close friends ever since.
The producers of “Extreme Makeover” invited Don to tour the home as they completed it, WTVC in Chattanooga reports:

Since Gardner and Patrick have the same disorder, the ‘Extreme Makeover’ crew asked Gardner to come into the house to help make sure it will be safe for Patrick, whose body is very fragile.
“The situation with people with OI is sometimes they can have a simple sneeze and break a rib,” he says.
But Gardner says the danger doesn’t stop Patrick from living large, and knows the Sharrocks will love their new home.

“Don is a really great guy and often hands out church bulletins as a door greeter,” said Jana Miller, a member of the Mayfair church.

• Feedback
  Don Jr’s mom and I are very proud of Don for his interest and assistance in moving forward with the application process for Patrick and his family as well as being invited to their being announced the winners and review the home prior to the family’s return. Despite his personal handicap, to still have a loving ,giving and servants heart.

  Don Gardner

  February, 22 2011

  Is Don Jr. the son of Don Gardner who was a president at Michigan Christian College?

  Linda Pate Lawther

  February, 28 2011

  I love watching The Extreme Makeover Show. But to hear that it has help one of our brother or sister now that is wonderful a blessing.

  Rebecca White

  February, 28 2011

  Awesome! My favorite show and favorite people all in one! Way to go!

  Doug Hamilton

  March, 1 2011

  Along with Linda Pate Lawther, I am wondering if he is the son of Don Gardner, who was president of Rochester Christian College. I am thinking probably not — just same names — as I never heard about his having a son.

  Dee Martin

  March, 1 2011

  My husband, Clyde, and I have known Donny most of his life. We have never ceased to be amazed at his ability, his tenacity, his good will, and his joy in life. Martha Evans

  martha evans

  March, 29 2011

  Laucita and I have known Donny for most of his life. Our children grew up with him, he was in my Bible class, and he helped manage the young baseball teams that I coached. Donny has been and is a blessing to all who know him as he teaches us that it is the size of the heart and not the stature that makes a difference. Frank and Laucita Swinson

  Frank Swinson

  April, 1 2011