Sachem East Student Seeks ABC Home Makeover

Some scoff at Facebook and the antics of social media, but for those who embrace the rapid viral response and cohesive communication of networking, it can be wondrous. Just ask Kevin O'Reilly.

Teachers at Sachem High School East posted a fan page for O'Reilly, who suffers from Freidrich's Ataxia, a genetic neuromuscular disorder, which has forced him to use a wheelchair as of last summer. His family's high ranch in Farmingville could use renovations to help him become more mobile around the home.

With the hopes of catching the eye of producers and segment directors of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, the faculty and students at the high school filmed a video during ninth period that Tuesday and started a basic marketing campaign to attract visitors to O'Reilly's fan page on Facebook.

Their initial goal of 10,000 in a week was shattered, ringing in close to 14,500 by midday on Monday March 15 and by Wednesday, March 17 over 16, 220 people were virtually supporting O'Reilly and his push to be featured on the television show.

"It's very heartwarming," said Kevin, on Monday in the guidance conference room on the second floor of Sachem East.

O'Reilly's struggle began when he was about 6 years old. Like any toddler, he would fall and trip on toys or things lying around. After one too many spills, his parents Janet and Kevin figured something was wrong. It took three years before doctors were able to properly diagnose O'Reilly.

Freidrich's Ataxia can affect people from ages 2-50, but is more prevalent in the 5-15 age bracket, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Mrs. O'Reilly said only about 5,000 people in the country suffer from the disorder.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke said its researchers are optimistic they will soon be closer to understanding the exact cause of the disorder, which over time weakens muscles, tendons and flexors, among other areas of the body used for motor functions.

Considering the small population affected by the disorder, O'Reilly is fortunate a team of doctors out of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have worked on clinical drug studies that are leading researchers in the right direction.

It's an understatement to say that Makeover would help the O'Reilly's tremendously. Because of Kevin's condition, he is forced to support himself by grasping walls and railings, bolstering each stride with an intense look on his face as he walks step by step, hoping not to fall. He jokes that he looks like a drunk person when he walks. People often see him in his wheelchair outside of the house, but at home, he tries to be as active as safety permits. From the narrow hall ways that don't support his chair, to the 14 steps he is forced to climb up and down at least twice a day, to the weak banister that he holds onto when he gets inside, there are considerable changes that could benefit O'Reilly and his family.

Recently he fell into the family couch and collapsed the springs and cushion in one section, and he tripped and fell into the bay window that overlooks the street. Glass shards hung dangerously as he punctured into the front of the house. With every precarious step Kevin takes, the people around him are worried.

O'Reilly doesn't look like the type who cares much for discussing his deficiencies or the medical world though. With his rosy cheeks and boyish smirk, the most enthusiasm he showed on Monday was when he spoke about his love of football and his affection for the Green Bay Packers.

"My dad got me hooked on it," he said, sporting a grey New York Mets sweatshirt that was draped over a black Sachem East tee-shirt. "When I started watching them, I thought this is awesome."

He's just like any other senior at East. He applied to attend Suffolk County Community College next fall, where he is looking into studying special education or social work. He worked over the summer, helping disabled children at Sachem's summer school program. He hangs out with his friends when he can, plays video games and goes on the computer. Aside from his disorder and the sudden arrival of a wheelchair, everything else is in his life is common.

Yet O'Reilly, many will tell you, is far from ordinary.

"The emphasis for the Makeover show is that the person should be an inspiration," said Trish Auletta, one of O'Reilly's teachers. "Kevin is a young man who is about his ability, not his disability."

Fern Miranda, a counselor of his at East, said, "He doesn't feel sorry for himself. He is good-natured about it. He doesn't put anyone down, and is focused on other people. He's just a positive person."

By then, Mrs. O'Reilly grabbed a box of tissues and listened as her son's closest advisors spoke brilliantly of his courage and charisma.

"It's overwhelming," she said.

O'Reilly sits and gleams with every kind word said, his cheeks blushing as the attention in the room is focused on him alone.

Stephanie Comunale, another aide and confidant at East, described his ability to persevere and fight, no matter the task.

"Even if he can't do something, he'll still try," she said. "He will always try."

Next week, O'Reilly will speak in front of students for Disability Awareness Week. It's a tall order for him, because of his natural dislike for public speaking, but since he's somewhat of a celebrity at the school now, he'll once again overcome odds.

"Big thugs come up to him and say, 'hey man, it's you – good luck,'" Comunale said. "These kids would never look at him, but now the whole school and community are involved."

There is no guarantee that ABC will pick the O'Reilly home to renovate, but like the information packet said, the family is ready to leave on a moment's notice to help Kevin. Janet and Kevin, and their sons Dan, Matt, Tim, Tyler, and of course the younger Kevin could use the home additions.

Thanks to Facebook, many architects, contractors and civic leaders have been in touch with Auletta and other page administrators about helping, "showing the true spirit of the Sachem community," as Superintendent Jim Nolan said.

"So many of the other regular people write and say, 'I know how to use a hammer and take directions, just tell me when and where and I'll be there,'" Auletta added.

Though it's only recently that he has been pushed into the spotlight at Sachem East, he has been the star at his house and with his friends for years. Often playing quarterback when he gets a chance to play football, his passion for Brett Favre comes out.

And like the gridiron veteran who has prospered with age, O'Reilly continues to battle adversity and prove he's a winner.

Join the Facebook page "Extreme Makeover for Kevin O'Reilly."