EAGLE MOUNTAIN — Not long after a fire destroyed her family's home earlier this year, 5-year-old Samantha Clark underwent surgery to have a second brain tumor removed.

The blaze and the surgery left the family of six living in a bare rental home, sleeping on the floor and trying to make payments on medical bills that add up to more than $10,000 a year.

But their living situation changed when Samantha was named a Pony Express Days Community Hero. While the Clarks were on a weekend getaway, volunteers made over their house, adding decor, furniture and toys.

On Tuesday, Samantha and her family returned to find their house had become a home.

"I know your family has had some tough things to deal with lately," Mayor Heather Jackson told Samantha as neighbors and volunteers welcomed the family back. "I hope what has been done through this Community Hero award will be another step in making this new home more comfortable for you."

Two volunteers dressed as Snow White and Sleeping Beauty greeted Samantha on her front porch, crowning her with a tiara before she and the rest of the family entered the house. Inside, the Clarks took in the work of the volunteers: picture frames and sconces on the walls, beds in every bedroom, new furniture in the common areas and a play set in the backyard.

The furnishings and toys replaced not only those that were lost in the fire but also the few smoke-scented ones that were salvaged from the remains of their former home.

"It's nice to have things that are new, that smell new," said Kimberly Clark, Samantha's mother.

Samantha, whose first tumor appeared when she was 2, is one of two recipients of this year's award, both of whom are fighting cancer. She represents all members of the Eagle Mountain community who are courageously dealing with disease.

But two bouts with brain cancer and six surgeries have not drained her enthusiasm. After opening a new doll in her room, now decorated in a princess theme, Samantha ran outside into the rain to climb on the play set with her brothers Isaiah, 8, and Dylan, 2.

"She's just a normal 5-year-old," Kimberly Clark said. "(She) loves to play. She's wonderful."

The surprise makeover came at the end of a weekend getaway to Salt Lake City, given to the family as part of Samantha's award.

"We went everywhere," Kimberly Clark said. "They had so much fun."

They were also in the dark.

"We kind of knew what was going on," Kimberly Clark said. "We didn't know the extent. But it was a total surprise to the kids. They had no idea what was going on."

Samantha's award was the result of a community effort. Both the getaway and makeover were made possible by donations from local businesses and community members. Other volunteers donated their time and shared their talents to decorate the house.

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"We live in a great community," said Ryan Clark, Samantha's father. "It's a great place to live."

Standing on the porch as neighbors and volunteers began to leave, the Clarks reflected on their newly furnished house.

"It's awesome," Ryan Clark said. "It feels like home."

e-mail: jritter@desnews.com

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