Press Release--for Immediate Release

Berkeley based Vital Link, provided an Emergency Response System featured on the January 23rd, 2005 episode of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" (8/7c) and the January 24th, 2005 follow-up episode of "How'd They Do That?" The episode featured the Sears family, of Martinez, California, and their 17-year old daughter Jhyrve Sears. Jhyrve underwent chemotherapy for a rare genetic disorder, Krabbe Disease, which is caused by an enzyme deficiency. As a result, she was unable to return to her home because of the mold and allergens at her family's house. When Extreme Makeover: Home Edition heard of her plight, the design team and hundreds of workers put in long days and nights so that Jhyrve Sears could come home.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is ABC-TV's hot show in the Sunday lineup. One of the Show's producers contacted Arthur Hoffman, the company’s owner to get his advice on local resources that would be helpful. Hoffman has been serving the elderly and disabled community for over 20 years and has amassed many valuable contacts.

" We were very happy to play a part in this particular episode and to help provide Jhyrve Sears with safety, independence and protection 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Her family will have peace of mind knowing that Jhyrve can get help at the touch of a button if she needs it.” said Hoffman.

More the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Recipient:

In February of 2004, Jhyrve Sears was diagnosed with Krabbe Disease (pronounced Crab-ay). Her only chance of survival was to receive a new treatment in which she'd be given a cord blood transplant at Duke University Hospital in North Carolina. So in March of 2004, Jhyrve relocated cross-country with her mother, Karen, to start treatment. After undergoing rounds of chemotherapy and then receiving her cord blood transplant, Jhyrve has spent the last several months recovering and rebuilding her immune system. Although the transplant was successful, the doctors at Duke would not let her go home to California until the mold infestation that threatened her weakened immune system had been removed from the home.

Jhyrve and her Mom have been living in North Carolina, paying rent at an apartment close to the hospital while still paying mortgage on their unoccupied house in California. Karen had to leave her job as a teacher's aid to be with her sick daughter. The financial stress of not knowing when or even if they will return home continues to taunt them.

Meanwhile, near Oakland, California, Jhyrve's 14-year old brother, Lucas Sears, missed his mother at his eight-grade graduation but understands that she must stay in North Carolina with his sister until the house is fixed. In the last year, Karen has spent a mere six weeks with her growing son. For Jhyrve, too, the hardest part has been being away from her friends and her younger brother.

For further information on Vital Link Emergency Response Systems, please contact Dellyn Donohue, at (800) 752-5522.

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