The family held each other close. Everyone was shaking with nerves, and the cameras rolling in the background captured their shock and tears of joy. Tisha broke down sobbing into her husband's shoulder. They were both overwhelmed and shocked!
As Tisha took a shaky breath, she faced the television news anchor and tried to find the words to express her gratitude. However, she found herself completely speechless. Their family never expected this Christmas miracle, and couldn't believe their eyes. What did exactly their community do and what was the price that the family had to pay?
Once Upon A Time
In 2018 single mother Audrey was busy taking care of her three kids and working two jobs. The only thing that mattered to Audrey was her children's happiness. Audrey would do anything to make sure they were safe.
One morning she woke up and had such intense stomach pain she couldn’t get out of bed. She hated to call in sick to work but there was no way she was leaving the house today. She hoped staying in bed for a couple of days would be all the medicine she needed. This single mom was about to find out her days were numbered.
Audrey Makes An Appointment
After a few days, Audrey knew she needed to see a doctor. She managed to go while her kids were in school but the nurse told her she would have to stay overnight and go through additional testing. In a pinch, Audrey knocked on her neighbor's door.
Her neighbors were a young couple with five of their own children. Tisha and Kevin Beauchmin worked at the local casino and had children the same ages as Audreys. They said it was no problem for the kids to stay over. The couple was about to find out just how far their generosity would stretch.
The Diagnosis Was Bleak
The next day Audrey stopped by to tell Tisha her hospital results. They weren’t good. The doctors found that she had stomach cancer and it was past the point of treatment. Audrey was freaking out. What would happen to her children?
Tisha was in shock. She was the same age as Audrey, how was it possible this woman had a life-ending illness? She reached out and held Audrey’s hand and said she would do anything she could to help. What could she do for her neighbor after hearing this devastating news? Her next actions would bring Audrey to tears.
How Can She Ask This?
Audrey knew the one thing she had to sort out was what would happen to her children. Even though she didn’t know Tisha that well they had been neighbors for years and she really needed her help.
Audrey looked at Tisha and asked her the biggest question of her life. Would she watch over her kids and keep them safe? Tisha already had five children, how could she manage three more. She said she would talk to her husband but time was running out for Audrey to find a solution.
It Was Only A Matter Of Days
Audrey’s cancer spread quickly and soon she was saying her last words to her children. As they had their last moments with their mom, the kids were distraught. What did life look like when she was gone?
Would Kevin & Tisha agree to let them stay? There was one important factor that swayed Tisha’s final decision. For now, they focused on Audrey but she would break the news to the three kids in the morning. As Audrey's kids slept soundly, they had no idea how different their lives would look in the morning.
She Grew Up In Foster Care
Tisha had grown up in foster care. She had seen the horrendous conditions and lived through experiences she wouldn’t want any child to feel. When Audrey asked her to take care of her three kids she had no hesitation.
What would her husband say? They already had a large family, how could they afford three more mouths to feed? Was this just being neighborly or was this going above and beyond? When Audrey passed everyone wondered what their lives would look like. The main question was whether they could handle all those upcoming changes.
They Found Solutions
Kevin & Tisha did not care what it took; they were going to make sure these kids had a happy life. The first step they needed to do was find places for everyone to sleep. Their house was stretched with five kids, where would they find room for three more?
They knew they had to talk to their children and see how everyone felt. It wasn’t just their lives that we're changing, it was the rest of the family as well. What if their kids said no? Audrey's kids faced an unknown future. After losing their mother, would they be forced to spend their days in foster care?
Friendships And Family
Since the families were neighbors the kids were already friends with each other. They loved the idea of having a permanent sleepover and were prepared to make sacrifices. The kids started sleeping together in the same beds, and Kevin & Tisha’s older kids slept on the couch.
The rest of the community began to take notice of what was happening. It was getting close to Christmas and they wanted to find a way to help the family. A local neighbor wrote a letter to a local news station but had no idea of the ripple effect she was about to create.
A Surprise Knock On The Door
Local news station FOX 5 KVVU-TV does a program called the Surprise Squad. The program brings a little bit of holiday cheer to people in need. When they received the letter detailing Kevin & Tisha’s family, they knew they had to take action.
It was going to be the biggest surprise they had ever pulled off! How would they get the family out of the house and where would the money come in to make it work. A surprising donor was waiting for the perfect opportunity to contribute. Tisha stood at the door unsure of how to proceed. Could she let this news camera into her home, or would she turn them away? Would she share what was happening behind closed doors with her supportive community?
Why Are You Doing This?
The Surprise Squad knocked on Tisha’s door and she was clearly flustered. The news team asked if they could ask her a couple of questions about her large family and she brought them into the living room.
The anchor asked why she had decided to help these three children and Tisha’s answer almost brought everyone to tears. Neighbors held their breath as they watched from their own television screens what was happening in their own backyard.
This Is What Children Deserve
Tisha told the news team she adopted Audrey's kids because “they’re kids. I had to go into a foster home and I don’t want them to ever deal with anything I had to deal with as a child because children deserve to be children. They’ve been through too much. They deserve a loving family, and a place to call home.“
The Surprise Squad asked for a tour of the house and realized just how much work they had to do. As Tisha led them through the rooms of the house no one could believe what this family was willing to sacrifice.
Legal Conditions For Adoption
Kevin & Tisha wanted to legally adopt Audrey's children but the state had certain regulations. One of them was that sleeping rooms offered privacy. The family needed to build a wall to separate the kids' sleeping arrangements but were spending all their money on groceries and life expenses.
The Surprise Squad revealed that they were going to build the wall for the family and they would need to move out for a week. Tisha was shocked that someone in the community had even thought of them and graciously thanked the team. Would she still have accepted the help if she knew how much was about to change?
A Community Coming Together
The Surprise Squad had massive plans and only a few days to pull it off! Thanks to their community partners, Ryder Construction and The City of North Las Vegas they were about to pull off a Christmas miracle.
The first thing they wanted to do was build a separate room for Audrey’s two boys. The volunteers were working around the clock but would it be enough? Everyone wanted things to be perfect but time was running out until the family got home. Everyone waited in anticipation as the family slowly turned the door knob to enter their home....
All New Furniture
Building the wall was easy, but what was an even bigger surprise was removing all the furniture in the house. They were replacing everything from couches to beds and it all needed to be moved out.
It was important that everyone came home and had their own personalized space. The Surprise Squad wanted to do everything they could for this family and make it a magical Christmas no one would ever forget. As the days passed it became crunch time for finishing touches. Was there enough hours in the day for the crew to pull off a miracle?
The Day Of The Big Reveal
The entire neighborhood was gathered outside waiting for the family’s car to arrive. Tisha saw her neighbors outside with signs and banners and felt confused. Why was her family getting so much publicity?
All Tisha thought had happened was building a wall. Surely that wasn’t a big deal for the local news to cover? She took a deep breath and opened the car door. Tisha was walking into the surprise of her life. In a few minutes, her previous life would almost be unimaginable.
It Was A New House
The family slowly opened their front door and were already gasping. The living room was completely different. With new couches and a cleaned-up space, it was barely recognizable. Kevin & Tisha’s oldest son had been sleeping on the couch, what did this mean for his bed?
The Surprise Squad had a separate gift they would reveal to him after. Now it was time to go upstairs and see the kids' rooms. Did the Surprise Squad keep their word and build a wall? All of these changes were amazing, but the camera crew was only just getting started revealing the crews hard work.
Screaming For Joy!
Audrey’s sons had been sharing a room with Kevin & Tisha’s sons. They had just been sleeping on air mattresses. As they opened the door they couldn’t believe what was on the other side.
The construction crew had built a completely new room and it was fitted with bunk beds! The boys had their own space again! It was then that Tisha began to cry and she wasn’t going to stop while the surprises kept happening. The family moved downstairs to see what else was different from their home.
Floor To Ceiling Changes
While construction was happening, the crew had made an executive decision to remove all the carpet from the house. In the place of the old floors were fresh, gleaming hardwood. These floors indicated the family would not be moving anytime soon. These walls were about to witness a surge of happy memories.
Everyone needed some joy in their life after losing Audrey. What other surprises did the construction crew have for the rest of the family? Audrey’s daughter had been sleeping in the same bed as Tisha’s. The family was about to witness a miracle, and it was all happening under their own roof.
Everyone Has A New Bed
When the crew said they were replacing all the furniture, it also meant they were buying new furniture. That meant that Audrey’s daughter and Tisha’s daughter were still sharing a room but they each had their own beautiful bed.
The girls were speechless and crying uncontrollably. What about Tisha & Kevin’s other kids? What surprises were ready for them. There was still so much to see and unwrap in the house, but would the family be able to enjoy it without crying? The next surprise completely took their breath away.
Before The Makeover
One of Tisha’s daughters had sacrificed having a room so that Audrey’s kids and her siblings could be comfortable. She had learned from her mother to always be generous and had been sleeping on a futon in the kitchen.
It was tough because for the adoption laws the boys needed their own room, but the adoption agency might have a problem with kids sleeping in the kitchen. The Surprise Squad had made a massive adjustment, but what would it mean for Tisha’s daughter? Was this one family member left out of the remodel, or would she also receive a surprise renovation?
A Space To Call Her Own
As the family entered the kitchen they saw another new wall. When you walked onto the other side it was a completely separate living space for Tisha’s daughter. The crew had made it private and personalized, and the best part was it came with a brand new bed!
Kevin & Tisha could not believe everything they were seeing. The couple held each other and their kids while thanking the camera crew and news station. They couldn’t believe the surprises still weren’t done. The family was shocked and couldn't believe this was the same house they had lived in. The camera crew was moved to tears as the next big surprise was revealed.
This Was The Biggest Reveal
The news station had been doing the Surprise Squad for a few years. They always received plenty of nominations and would normally only do one surprise per person. When they first received the letter about Kevin & Tisha’s family, they knew one would not be enough.
After working on the house for a week and giving the kids their own sleeping spaces they had another treat in store for the family. Keeping the fridge full for a family of ten was never easy or cheap. The local television station had figured out a way to lift this burden, but it was more than anyone expected.
Unlimited Groceries
As the family sat around their new dining table, the camera crew let them know the surprises weren’t stopping there. They presented Kevin with a red box and when he opened the father of 8 couldn’t keep his composure.
A bright gift card for unlimited groceries for a full year was a life-changing gift. As he let his emotions get the best of him he couldn’t stop thanking the sponsors and holding his children. Kevin tried to find the words but was choked on emotions. Everyone in the room thought the surprises were done, but the biggest one had yet to arrive.
They Always Found A Way
Kevin explained to the cameras that it was always tough to keep the fridge and cupboards stocked. They had a house full of teenagers which meant everyone was hungry and constantly growing.
This gift card was enough to let the family take a year to save money and figure out a plan. It was a massive burden off their shoulders. Kevin & Tisha were so shocked but one question remained. What about the couple's oldest son that usually slept on the couch? The television program had an extra special surprise waiting for the young man to open.
Independence By Choice
Kevin & Tisha’s oldest son already had a job and was happy to sleep on the couch to help out his younger siblings. He had expressed to his parents that he would try to find his own apartment but it was difficult to get the first and last deposit together.
Making minimum wage is never enough for anyone but especially not a worker just starting off in the workforce. The Surprise Squad had paid attention to this detail and asked for him to come and receive his own present. This Christmas miracle was about to knock his socks off, but did this have an underlying message? The young man stared at what he held in his hands and contemplated the future he could see within his grasp.
He Could Finally Get An Apartment
The Surprise Squad couldn’t find any more space to get a bedroom for Kevin & Tisha’s oldest son. They decided the gift they could offer was his own apartment. The news squad team called him forward and let him open a red box with an amazing offer inside.
Unlike the rest of his family, Kevin & Tisha’s oldest son was getting something to take him out of the house. Was he ready to move or would he feel upset not to have a space at home? No one could have predicted his emotional response.
A New Chapter
Kevin & Tisha’s oldest son knew it was time for him to spread his wings. He was thrilled to receive $1500 from the Surprise Squad. It was the perfect amount for him to find a place and not even have to worry about finding roommates.
In a short time, the family had walked through a house that had new rooms, new furniture and received unlimited groceries for a year. They still could not believe how lucky they were and could not stop crying from joy. Their last surprise was about to arrive, and the family could barely stand the suspense.
Driving Into Their Future
The family assumed their surprises would be limited to the walls of the home. They were already blown away by the generosity and truly thought this was a life-changing experience. Kevin & Tisha knew they could now provide a life for all their children they deserved while preparing for a bright future.
The only problem they faced every day was getting places. The couple currently owned one vehicle and had to make constant trips to get the whole family to one location. This final surprise would have the family arriving in style wherever they went.
A Generous Corporate Sponsorship
The family crew ushered the family outside and Tisha & Kevin met the national director of Nissan. A well-known car company servicing the local neighborhood. Tisha was visibly shaking as she said hello to this man.
It wasn’t until the surprise showed up that she actually believed what was happening! Nissan had decided to give the family a 10-seater vehicle. This meant everyone could go places together and the parents wouldn’t have to do multiple trips. Finally, the family had seen all the surprises, but what would their lives look like after this massive improvement?
Never In Her Wildest Dreams
Tisha had already spoken out about her childhood and what it meant to grow up in the foster care system. Her decision to adopt Audrey’s kids had been a quick instinct, she never expected to receive this much praise.
As the kids ran to check out their new family vehicle she held Kevin close and couldn’t believe their luck. This family never expected to be so supported by their community. Tisha & Kevin vowed to repay their community's kindness, but in the holiday spirit, there was nothing they could do. Waking up on Christmas morning was going to be a magical experience for this family.
A Magical Christmas
Kevin & Tisha had already been stressed thinking about how they would make this Christmas special for Audrey’s kids. With the loss of their mother still so new, Tisha had already been thinking of ways to make this year special.
With the multiple surprises from the Surprise Squad, all of her dreams had come true - and then some! This would be a Christmas that marked the beginning of a new family with everyone feeling safe and loved in their family home. Would they be able to maintain this lifestyle when the cameras stopped rolling? Behind the scenes, the family was dealing with a whole different set of problems.
It Was Unbelievable
Tisha & Kevin overnight had lost all their concerns. With the new renovations to the house from floors to furniture, they could provide a space that would confirm their adoption status. Tisha’s goal to keep the children out of foster care was becoming a reality and she was thrilled.
All of her kids had a new place to sleep and could rest easy knowing there would always be food in the fridge and space they could call their own. The news channel had clearly gone above and beyond to deliver these Christmas miracles.
A Bright Future
Kevin & Tisha proved that every good deed does get noticed. Even if your neighbors don’t tell you directly, it was clear this family was living by example. The community had come together to support them in this hard time and now they could have a bright future.
There would still be tough days ahead as they pursued the adoption laws and made everything finalized, but they were a big step closer to being complete. Kevin & Tisha would have never been able to make this a reality without the trusted help of the Surprise Squad.