A non-profit organization in Endicott, New York, has completed a special room renovation for an 8-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. A Room to Heal designed and created a specialized healing space for DaVinci, who recently underwent a tracheostomy to improve his breathing.
The project was initiated after the organization discovered the family's story online and realized a long-standing connection through the boy's father, an employee at a local business that supports the non-profit.
Key Takeaways
- An 8-year-old boy named DaVinci received a custom room from the non-profit A Room to Heal.
- DaVinci has cerebral palsy and recently had a tracheostomy procedure.
- The project was inspired by a connection between the non-profit and the boy's father's employer, Matthew’s Auto Group.
- The new room includes specialized furniture, medical storage, and features designed for comfort and care.
A Community Connection Comes Full Circle
The journey to create DaVinci's new room began in July when board members of A Room to Heal, a local non-profit dedicated to creating healing environments for children with medical conditions, came across a Facebook page documenting his story. The page detailed his life with cerebral palsy and his recent tracheostomy, a surgical procedure to create an airway in his neck to help him breathe more easily.
While reviewing the family's story, a board member recognized DaVinci's father. He is an employee at Matthew's Auto Group, a business that has been a consistent supporter of A Room to Heal for many years. This discovery created a unique and personal connection to the project.
For the organization, the opportunity to help the child of an employee from a partner company was a meaningful moment. Melissa Godoy, Vice President of A Room to Heal, described the experience as a project coming "full circle."
"So, I mean, every room project is really special, but this one was really cool because it kind of went full circle. So it was just a really cool experience to have, you know, different areas of the community coming and working together," Godoy told local news reporters.
About A Room to Heal
A Room to Heal is a non-profit organization that focuses on creating healing and comfortable room environments for children in the community who are facing serious medical challenges. The organization relies on volunteers and community donations to renovate bedrooms, making them more functional, safe, and cheerful for children during their recovery and treatment.
Designing a Functional and Fun Healing Space
After the initial connection was made, A Room to Heal spent a month meticulously planning the room's transformation. The goal was to create a space that was not only comforting and engaging for DaVinci but also highly functional for his caregivers and his medical needs.
The design team focused on blending practical elements with DaVinci's personal interests. The result is a room that supports his health while providing a fun and imaginative atmosphere.
Key Features of DaVinci's New Room
The renovation included several key components specifically chosen to meet DaVinci's needs:
- Dinosaur Theme: The room features vibrant dinosaur wallpaper and matching rugs, creating a playful environment for an 8-year-old boy.
- Medical Supply Cabinet: A dedicated cabinet was installed to organize and store his medical supplies, ensuring they are accessible but neatly kept out of the way.
- Caregiver Comfort: A comfortable recliner was added to the room, providing a place for his parents or caregivers to rest while staying close by.
- Specialized Seating: The room includes a "tomato chair," which is a type of adaptive seating designed to provide proper postural support and comfort for children with physical disabilities.
What is a Tracheostomy?
A tracheostomy is a medical procedure that involves creating an opening into the trachea (windpipe) through the neck. A tube is placed into this opening to provide an airway and to remove secretions from the lungs. For individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy that can affect muscle control and breathing, it can significantly relieve stress on the body and make breathing safer and easier.
The Impact of a Healing Environment
For children managing chronic health conditions, their immediate environment plays a crucial role in their overall well-being. A well-designed room can reduce stress, improve mood, and make the daily routines of medical care more manageable for both the child and the family.
The work of organizations like A Room to Heal highlights the power of community support. By transforming a simple bedroom into a customized healing space, they provide more than just new furniture and paint. They offer a tangible form of support that acknowledges the unique challenges these families face.
The project for DaVinci is a clear example of local businesses and non-profits collaborating to make a direct, positive impact on a community member's life. The new room will serve as a sanctuary where DaVinci can rest, play, and receive care in a space that is truly his own.
This initiative not only provided a physical space for DaVinci but also reinforced the strong ties within the Endicott community, demonstrating how partnerships between local businesses and charitable organizations can lead to meaningful outcomes for families in need.