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St. Jude Dream home winner tours new house

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 23:58 GMT by KPLC
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St. Jude Dream Home Winner Tours New House: A Life‑Changing Journey

On a bright October morning, the St. Jude Dream Home program celebrated a momentous occasion in the lives of a family who had recently received a new home. The ceremony, held at a sprawling suburban lot in the Kansas City metro area, drew a small gathering of community members, St. Jude volunteers, and local media. The event was chronicled by KPLC-TV, which followed the winner, the McCormick family, on their tour of the newly built house, detailing every step of the process that turned a dream into a tangible reality.

The Dream Home Concept

The St. Jude Dream Home program, a partnership between St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the St. Jude Foundation, was launched in 2021 to address the housing challenges faced by families of pediatric patients. The initiative provides a fully financed, custom‑built home to families who would otherwise struggle to secure stable housing while managing a child’s serious illness. The program’s goal is to alleviate financial stress so families can focus on recovery and hope. According to a spokesperson, the program has helped more than 200 families across the United States, and each house is designed to accommodate the unique medical and accessibility needs of patients and caregivers.

The McCormick Family Story

The McCormicks—father Thomas, mother Sarah, and 8‑year‑old daughter Lily—were chosen in a nationwide selection process that considered medical urgency, financial need, and family resilience. Lily’s diagnosis of a rare bone marrow disorder required ongoing treatments, and the family’s modest rental apartment in downtown Kansas City was poorly suited for her medical equipment and frequent visits from healthcare teams. Thomas, an IT consultant, and Sarah, a schoolteacher, faced mounting debt and rent arrears while Lily underwent chemotherapy and supportive care. The Dream Home program presented a lifeline that promised to remove the burden of housing costs and allow the family to thrive in a safe, comfortable environment.

The Home’s Features

The new house, located on a 0.5‑acre parcel, is a two‑story, 2,800‑square‑foot home built to the family’s specifications. The design includes:

• Medical‑Ready Infrastructure: A dedicated treatment room with a built‑in walk‑in closet for storage of medication and equipment, reinforced door frames to accommodate wheelchairs, and a medical‑grade air filtration system.
• Energy Efficiency: Solar panels on the roof and a high‑efficiency HVAC system reduce utility costs, a significant factor for the McCormicks.
• Accessibility: A single‑level entryway, a zero‑step threshold, and a wide hallway to allow easy movement for both Lily and her caregivers.
• Family Spaces: An open‑plan living area with a state‑of‑the‑art kitchen, a backyard with a playset for Lily, and a backyard patio for family gatherings.
• Safety: Smart‑home features including smoke detectors, a home‑automation system that can be controlled from a mobile device, and a security system to safeguard against intruders.

Thomas reflected, “This house isn’t just a place to live; it’s a sanctuary where Lily can heal without the constant worry of rent or the hassle of finding a suitable apartment.”

The Tour and Community Reaction

KPLC-TV’s coverage followed the McCormicks as they walked through each room, pointing out the thoughtful details that catered to Lily’s needs. Sarah expressed gratitude toward the St. Jude team for their hands‑on approach: “They didn’t just build a house; they built a home that respects our family’s rhythm.”

The video footage captured the moment when the family opened the front door and were greeted by the fresh scent of new paint and the warmth of sunlight filtering through the expansive windows. Children’s laughter echoed in the hallway as Lily ran from the living room into the backyard, where a custom swing set awaited.

Local residents, many of whom had seen the family’s struggles in the news, gathered outside the house to cheer and applaud. A neighbor remarked, “I’ve watched Lily’s treatment from afar, and it’s heartening to see her in a space that can support her health and happiness.”

Behind the Scenes

The Dream Home program operates through a network of volunteers, architects, and builders who collaborate with St. Jude to deliver homes that meet medical standards while staying within budget. The program also offers ongoing support, including home maintenance assistance and a “Home Care Coordinator” who helps families navigate utilities and local services.

A link in the KPLC article directed readers to the St. Jude Foundation’s website, where prospective families can apply for the program. The site explains eligibility criteria, application steps, and the selection process, which is designed to be compassionate, confidential, and timely.

Impact and Future Plans

The McCormick family’s new home stands as a testament to the power of community-driven philanthropy. According to St. Jude’s director, “Housing is a critical component of health equity. When families are relieved from the financial strain of housing, they can invest more resources into treatment, mental health, and quality of life.”

The Dream Home program has plans to expand its reach, adding more construction sites across the Midwest and partnering with additional foundations. The upcoming fiscal year will see an increase in the number of homes awarded, aiming to reach an additional 50 families by 2026.

Conclusion

The celebration of the McCormick family’s new home is more than a joyous occasion; it is a milestone in the ongoing mission to create supportive environments for families facing pediatric illnesses. Through St. Jude’s Dream Home program, the McCormicks have moved from a precarious rental situation to a stable, healing sanctuary. The story, captured by KPLC-TV, invites viewers to consider how thoughtful, community‑based solutions can transform lives and reminds us that home is not just a structure, but a foundation for hope, recovery, and resilience.