Organization provides dream bedroom makeover for local child battling cancer

by Dan Holland

For a 5-year-old Brecksville boy suffering from neuroblastoma, receiving a dream bedroom makeover for himself and his sisters was a welcome addition, courtesy of Special Spaces of Cleveland and Shurtape.

Special Spaces is a not-for-profit organization that creates custom-designed dream bedroom makeovers for children ages 2-19 battling cancer. The group, founded in 2004, operates 10 chapters around the country.

Shurtape, with local operations in Avon, became involved in the project in August, according to Caitlyn Ward, assistant public relations and contact manager for Shurtape. The project not only included a themed bedroom makeover for Walter, the 5-year-old boy who qualified for the program, but also two additional bedroom makeovers for his three older sisters.

Based on Walter’s requests, his room took on a Roblox theme.

“They’re these little alien characters that are super colorful and very popular among younger children,” Ward explained. “We took that colorful aspect and added some pops of color to his room. He was really looking for a space where he could find some peace in the midst of his treatments.”

“He didn’t like sleeping alone in his room before, so he would end up sleeping in one of his sister’s rooms a lot,” she continued. “The goal was to make this room a space he really likes and a place where he can relax and rest.”

A team of ten workers from Shurtape, along with four individuals from Special Spaces, completed the two-day project in early November. Projects typically cost between $8,000-$10,000 – at no cost to the families – including monetary donations and in-kind goods and services. Special Spaces has completed more than 60 bedroom makeover projects in Northeast Ohio over the years, including 10 in 2024.

In addition to paint, graphics and decorations in the rooms, Special Spaces also donates new furniture, bedsheets and other items toward its makeover projects.

“We bring in all new furniture, rugs and closet organizers,” said Ann Swain, director of engagement for Special Spaces. “We also added a climbing wall and a fun ball pit. Walter’s theme was Roblox Rainbow Friends, so it was happy and fun. It’s a place that he now can’t wait to stay in.”

“He has three older sisters, and two of them share a room, with the oldest sister having her own room; so, we redid their rooms as well,” said Ward. “In all, we had three bedroom makeovers, with all of them a bit different. We had our work cut out for us, but it was so worth it in the end to see the family’s faces when they walked into the rooms. It was a very emotional day for them.”

“The theme was all Walter’s,” said Chris Swain, executive director of Special Spaces. “It’s their theme and our design, and the Shurtape people implemented it. We interview the parents to see if there is anything that would be helpful in assisting their child’s journey through such a difficult time. But it is all inspired by the child.”

Shurtape, who agreed to become the official painter’s tape supplier to Special Spaces for a three-year period, first became involved with the organization in 2023, when they assisted in a sports-themed bedroom makeover for a boy in Rocky River, along with his siblings’ rooms.

“After that makeover, we saw firsthand how incredible this organization is and how it helps make the lives of children in need much better during a very difficult time in their lives,” said Ward. “After learning more about the organization, we saw the program’s commitment to giving back not only here in Northeast Ohio but across the country. So, we became the official painter’s tape of the organization.”

“The goal for any of our Special Spaces bedroom makeovers is to create a healing environment for the child to come home to after a long day at the hospital; as a place that provides love, hope and joy for the child to heal and get better and to just be a kid again,” said Ann Swain.

“Special Spaces is a great organization that really helps children who are battling cancer, as well as the family, by giving them a space to heal, and also allowing our Shurtape team to come in and use our products that can be used when it matters most during a difficult time,” said Ward. “We were very grateful to be part of this opportunity.” For information, visit specialspaces.org.

photo caption: Walter, a 5-year old Brecksville boy suffering from neuroblastoma Photos submitted.