Each day millions of households tune in to watch one of the many home renovation reality TV shows, anxiously awaiting the homeowners’ reactions during the “big reveal.” While viewers tune in to enjoy the lighthearted hosts, awe-inspiring design and finishes, and genuine smiles on the faces of the families they help, it’s often the story behind the renovation that draws us in.
This year, the cast and crew of Renovation Hunters experienced what many in the ALS community already understand, ALS is devastating not only for the person diagnosed, but also for the families and friends of those it touches.
Robert Clear was an avid hunter, fisherman, and sportsman who loved the outdoors and spending time with his family. “So, when he retired, he bought a camp in Pymatuning, and he was very excited, and the kids were all very excited,” said Theresa Clear, Robert’s wife. “And then he was diagnosed with ALS. He was diagnosed in September of 2013, and he passed away in December of 2014.”
“Family is absolutely the most important thing to us. We do a lot together: family vacations, trips up to camp,” shared Rachel Book, Robert’s daughter. “We have Sunday dinner at my mom's. My dad worked really hard. My mom worked really hard, and then dad retired and bought his dream. His dream was to buy a camp so that we had a place to go and to spend time together and be together as a family.”
“We kept going for a little while and then it felt odd, I guess you could say, because it was his camp. It was his dream to have it and he only got to enjoy it for so short [a time],” recalls Robby Clear, Robert’s son. “Kind of felt guilty going up there.” As the primary caretaker of the property, Robby did what he could to keep up the family cabin, but admits it was difficult while juggling the everyday distractions and challenges life brings with work and raising his own family.
After several years of the family cabin sitting and wasting away, it was time to bring it back to life to honor the memory and legacy of their father. With the help of the talented and hard-working crew of Renovation Hunters, they set out to do just that.
“He really did not have a chance to enjoy this beautiful place that he got and on top of that, he was sick the whole time. So, the family's memories here with him are very brief, but they're solid and they will be with them forever,” Hal said.
Throughout the course of the three episodes, viewers will follow the amazing transformation of the family cabin from beginning to end, culminating with a dramatic and emotional reveal with the Clear family.
Throughout the series, the audience will learn more about the Clear family’s touching story and what it’s like to live with ALS, while watching firsthand the many trials and tribulations of the renovation process. From severe weather and challenging working conditions to unexpected demolition finds and accidents on the worksite, it’s sure to keep you entertained.
As the show winds down, on behalf of the family, Rachel shared a heartfelt message with the entire cast and crew who made this happen for them. “I just want to say thank you to all of you. Every single piece of blood, I know that's out there, sweat and tears that have gone into this. It means the world to us," she said.
While we can’t give away any more than that, we encourage you to watch as this story unfolds and encourage others you know to do the same to help spread awareness of the impact ALS has on the families it touches.
Tune in tomorrow, April 5 at 8:30 p.m. on the Outdoor Channel, to watch the first episode about the Clear family on Renovation Hunters.
To continue to follow stories about people living with ALS in the community and learn more about the disease, subscribe to receive our weekly blogs in your inbox HERE or follow us at als.org/blog.
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