The Surprise of a Lifetime: Room Makeover

I was recently speaking to my husband about how I would like to somehow use the creativity and talent of local bloggers for a greater good. While discussing this, I was contacted by an amazing organization. I think you’ll find the following story and project idea very inspiring
Today in Ontario, CA, an 8-year-old leukemia patient will receive a special Christmas gift: a surprise room makeover Two years into her cancer battle, Alyssa Pflugrath will get a brand new room that is better equipped to meet her needs. Spearheaded by a local nonprofit organization, The Let It Be Foundation is making sure this Christmas is one to remember by not only outfitting her bedroom with bunk beds, which is a part of their standard room enhancement program, where they provide spacious beds for two, but taking it several steps further with a complete overhaul and redesign. Alyssa’s room will now have: wood floors, new lighting, built-in closet organizers, new rugs and bedding, and a built-in desk. This coordinated effort is made up of 35 high school and junior high students, general contractor (Cornell Custom Homes) and suppliers, and local design firm Patrick Interiors. What community spirit! Even better: The Let It Be Foundation has been raising money all year to fund this room makeover! Though it is just one room, the entire community is banding together to provide her with this gift. Local youth group Foundation Youth Kids, community partners, and suppliers will also be on hand to provide support. “These families are overwhelmed and exhausted and do not have the emotional and physical resources to devote toholiday cheer around their homes,” says Ruthe Rosen, co-founder of The Let It Be Foundation. “And so our army of volunteers, made up of children and parents from Chino Hills, is going to make it a joyous event.” The Let It Be Foundation is a nonprofit organization in Southern California that helps restore a sense of normalcy during life-threatening pediatric illness.   Since 2006, the foundation has organized 100+ fundraising and community outreach events, bringing together over 3,000 volunteers – and the best part?  Many of these volunteers are local students. Together, they befriend area children with illnesses, taking them to local baseball games, bringing them cards and handmade gifts, and redecorating their bedrooms to be a cheerful and happy place. Rosen, a compassionate champion for families facing life-threatening pediatric illnesses, has single-handedly turned her community in Chino Hills into an army of volunteers, and hopes their work will serve as a national model for community service.
Rosen founded the foundation after she lost her 14-year-old daughter to cancer, a story she shares in her book Never Give Up: How to Find Hope and Purpose in Adversity. Interested in finding out more or in connecting with Ruthe to find out tips on rallying your community? Visit http://www.theletitbefoundation.com/. I am so looking forward to seeing the outcome of the room makeover and the effect it has on Alyssa and her family. Stay tuned as I bring you a wrap up of this amazing project.