Homeowner goes all out for Halloween to help family in need


4 photos
Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

OREM — There’s a house on Main Street that's become known for going all out for Halloween. For years it’s been a popular attraction for neighbors, but this year it's bigger and better — and all for a good cause.

Randall Jones is the man behind Halloween on Main Street, 1649 N. Main St. in Orem. He’s built a maze in his front yard and a cemetery in his back yard. He's also got a spider’s lair, a witches' room and a coffin for Dracula.

How Jones put it all together is pretty cool, but the purpose behind it this year is nothing short of inspirational: raising money for a family of almost nine, who are about to lose their father to cancer.

Former Orem High School seminary teacher Tony Means and his wife, Erica, have six children. Number seven is due in March.

Eight years ago, Tony had a brain tumor removed and was in remission until last year. This time his doctors say the cancer is terminal.

"(I've got) eight to 12 weeks, something like that," Tony said. "That's why I've gotta pick a kid's name now!"

"(The children) still say their sweet little prayers that Daddy will get better, and we explain to them that he’s getting more sick," Erica said. "But we’re hoping that he can remain stable for a while."

Former Orem High School seminary teacher Tony Means and his wife, Erica, have six children and a seventh due in March. But Tony has terminal brain cancer and has only a few months to live. (Photo: Mark Wetzel, KSL TV)
Former Orem High School seminary teacher Tony Means and his wife, Erica, have six children and a seventh due in March. But Tony has terminal brain cancer and has only a few months to live. (Photo: Mark Wetzel, KSL TV)

Tony is currently going through chemotherapy. The left side of his body is mostly paralyzed and he gets fatigued easily, but that hasn’t changed sense of humor.

"Man, after all the times I’ve been radiated, I should be like some sort of cool mutant with claws," Tony said.

And the hardships haven't changed his family's hopeful attitude either.

"I just focus on each day," Erica said. "You know, get up every day, enjoy that day, make plans for the future as we can."

"Life is still good," Tony said.

"We've been blessed to have him with us for so long," Erica said.

While Jones isn't charging people to come and have fun at Halloween on Main Street, visitors are asked to donate to the Means family.

For information on how you can help, visit tonymeans.org.

Contributing: Jordan Ormond

Photos

Most recent Utah stories

Related topics

UtahFamilyUplifting
Tania Mashburn

    STAY IN THE KNOW

    Get informative articles and interesting stories delivered to your inbox weekly. Subscribe to the KSL.com Trending 5.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast