Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Selects Gomez Family as the Daybreak Recipient
Written By: Connor Anderson
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition announced today that the Daybreak build will benefit the family of Jonah Gomez, a seven‑year‑old boy battling two rare blood disorders. The show and community will work together to deliver a new home for Jonah, his mom Jessica, and his five‑year‑old sister Ellie— built from the ground up near Oquirrh Lake in Daybreak.
At the heart
Meet Jonah & the Gomez Family
Jonah currently lives with relatives in Taylorsville while his family manages significant medical needs. Because of his conditions, he uses oxygen at night and often can’t play outside when Utah’s weather is extremely hot or cold. Yet Jonah greets the world with a joyful demeanor that inspires everyone around him.
Jessica left her airline job to care for Jonah full‑time and lost her health insurance last November. Despite mounting medical expenses, she continues to press forward for her children.
A wish and a song
From Make‑A‑Wish to a Stadium of Support
Last April, Jonah captured hearts at a Real Salt Lake match as part of his Make‑A‑Wish request. He met the team, stood on the field, and even sang alongside American Idol’s David Archuleta. One year later, the community is still cheering—louder than ever.
Where hope rises
The Build Site Near Oquirrh Lake
Holmes Homes will construct the new home from the ground up at the corner of Oquirrh Lake Road & Talquin Lane in South Jordan. Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Utah Copper donated the empty lot and is coordinating planning, donations, and volunteers.
The location offers a healthy, convenient, and energy‑efficient lifestyle. Within a five‑minute walk, the family can reach Oquirrh Lake, several large parks, and Eastlake Elementary School. And with TRAX light rail service coming this summer, Jessica will gain quick, direct access to the University of Utah and Primary Children’s Medical Center for Jonah’s ongoing treatments.
“We are confident that we’ve selected the best possible location to build this new home,” said Ty McCutcheon, Vice President of Community Development at Rio Tinto, the developer of Daybreak. “Like every home in Daybreak, the Gomez family will be able to take advantage of more opportunities for social interaction and recreation, as well as be welcomed into a community of love and support.”
Mark your calendar
Build & Reveal Timeline
- Build starts Today
- Reveal June 29, 2011
- Partners Holmes Homes (lead builder) • Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Utah Copper (site & coordination)
Holmes Homes, sponsors, and volunteers will build the home in less than a week, donating most labor and materials.
A bigger surprise
Nationwide Marrow Donor Drives for Jonah
Jonah has long needed a bone marrow transplant, yet finding a match has been difficult because he is of Latin descent and fewer minorities join the National Marrow Donor Program. After learning his story, MLS stadiums around the country—including Pasadena, Washington D.C., San Jose, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Kansas City—will host concurrent bone marrow drives on Saturday, June 25, registering thousands of new donors in one day.
EM:HE designers Michael Moloney and Paige Hemmis will kick off the campaign at Rio Tinto Stadium, filming fans during halftime of Real Salt Lake vs. Toronto FC. Zions Bank will also host booths at the stadium for cash donations toward the home’s completion and the family’s medical expenses.
- Game tickets: realsaltlake.com/tickets
- Not attending? Learn how to register at getswabbed.org
Rally together
Benefit Concert to Support the Gomez Family
The project team will host a benefit concert featuring David Osmond, Alex Boyé, Thurl Bailey, and entertainer Jason Hewlett on Tuesday, June 28 at Herriman High School at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door.
Pitch in
How You Can Help Today
- Volunteer or donate via updates at facebook.com/DaybreakUtah and daybreakutah.com.
- Give at Zions Bank: Make a donation at any branch under the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Daybreak” account.
