Tony (left) and Monica (center) Jorge and celebrity designer Nate Berkus (right) amid the crowd at the unveiling of the Jorges’ new house in Ayer.
(Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff)
Names
The Jorges get their dream house
Tony (left) and Monica (center) Jorge and celebrity designer Nate Berkus (right) amid the crowd at the unveiling of the Jorges’ new house in Ayer.
(Jonathan Wiggs/Globe Staff)
Nate Berkus, Oprah Winfrey’s celebrity designer, was in Ayer yesterday changing the life of a family that’s been through a lot. Berkus unveiled a customized, 1,900-square-foot house for quadruple-amputee Monica Jorge, her husband, Tony, and their two daughters. The ranch has a garage with a ramp into the house, a customized kitchen with a side-opening oven, wide bathrooms, and a chairlift to go downstairs to the basement.
In 2007, days after giving birth, Jorge developed a horrific infection that forced doctors to amputate her arms and legs. A Globe magazine story chronicling her recovery caught the attention of Winfrey, who had Monica on her show. Winfrey named Monica a “Warrior Mom,’’ gave her a new SUV, and vowed to build her a new home, all expenses paid (translation: no mortgage).
Berkus is no stranger to these parts. He attended Cushing Academy in Ashburnham. The “Nate Berkus Show’’ on Monica’s house will air Sept. 27 on WCVB-TV (Channel 5).
Jorge’s Facebook page buzzed with congratulations all day. Her own post summed up her emotions: “I can’t wait anymore!!!!!!! Too exciting!!!!!!!’’
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