A little over 5 years ago (FIVE YEARS?!!!) I randomly got a call from Eric Newman, a guy I went to high school with, asking for interior design help. He wanted help re-designing his detached garage in order to turn it into the headquarters for his organization called the Roc Solid Foundation. After some research, I learned that Roc Solid created Ready Bags for the hospitals to hand out to families who have just been given the worst news of their life. These bags have all the necessities and comforts of home to help ease the family into their terrifying stay at the hospital. I saw that they also built play sets for these pediatric cancer patients so that they could have some fun in the comfort and safety of their own homes. I read one family’s story and I was hooked. How could I not help?
After the garage office was up and running, a program formed that was really up my alley. Roc Solid had traditionally only built play sets for children, but since a pediatric cancer patient could technically be a 17 year old, the foundation had to evolve. That’s when the room remodel program came into play. I was able to design the first room remodel for a little girl named Jojo (see it HERE!). Since then, I have personally remodeled over 20 bedrooms and helped with 4 Night for the Fight fundraising events. If I had the time, resources, and free child care (!!) I would dedicate all of my time to helping these families.
To look into a child’s face who has literally been to hell and back and continues to fight for their lives…and then look behind them and see a family who is also hanging on for dear life…will shake you. But then, to look into that same child’s face and see it light up with pure unadulterated joy and see the tears in the parent’s eyes as they watch their child experience their new space is equally as incredible. It truly is a gift to be able to give back to the community and design for these families. If you want to volunteer your time, please let me know and I will get you in contact with the right people! We are in need of some skilled construction volunteers (electrical, woodworking…general handyman things).
This past build was one of the really good ones. Savanna, a bubbly 11 year old girl in Richmond, has been fighting Leukemia since 2014…and her hero of an older brother has been her bone marrow donor. We really wanted to give these two a room to hang out in-a place where they could just BE KIDS!!
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As we were waiting for the party bus to arrive Saturday morning, Savanna hopped on up into the tree and climbed to the top. Within seconds. Needless to say, girlfriend was excited and it was so nice seeing her in such a great mood.
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Here are some pictures of the room before we tore it apart :)
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My intern Carly came up with the plan for Savanna’s room and it turned out great. Here is the design board that Carly came up with.
We obviously painted the panelling. We moved the TV over the fireplace. We whitewashed the brick. We got all new furniture and light fixtures. We also installed a floating desk and added a reading nook and art area. Here are the finished pictures…
It’s safe to say the family was very happy with the outcome and this room will be the location for many future fun friend get-togethers. Thank you so much for letting us crash your living area Anchell family!!
