A Family Miracle: When Design Gives Back helps one sick child in a family, we include the rest of the kids too. Katie, age 13, has been a patient and giving sister to her two little brothers; she really deserved something for herself and help for her room(click on image left to enlarge) too. Seven year-old Charlie has brain tumors from Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Charlie's grueling chemo treatments have taken a toll on the entire family. Parents John and Kara, navy vets, have been tested beyond the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, by the battle the whole family has been waging against Charlie's cancer. Kara suffers from NF-1, as well. The family is the latest recipient of a MiracleMakeovertm week. And, you readers and bloggers helped make it all possible with your kind comments. The Gradys are an ambassador family for National Childhood Cancer Month, September 2011.
B. A. Renaissance Girl: That is the phrase I coined for Katie Grady because she loves history, science, art and music. I talked with Katie about her goals and dreams for her life. We incorporated her colors and some projects she created in the art therapy room we had set-up at The Residence Inn in O'Fallon. The hotel kindly sponsored the family's stay for the makeover.(A real treat for them as they haven't had a vacation or break from chemo in three years.) The interactive design work with our recipients and their involvement in the room is a hallmark of MiracleMakeovertm. Katie made beaded tassel tie-backs for the curtains and collaged shadow boxes. Butterflies framed in a feature wall panel represent her life goal to travel or "fly" the world. Katie created a vision of life's possibilities within the framework of her new bedroom. Look at what you readers have done for her! Your comments led to this. Thank-you for your kindness to the Grady family. If you are just hearing about it, read on...
Last summer Colette's makeover celebration prompted thousands of comments about the video reveal and those were matched by Design Gives Back with a $1 donation each. Your kind words about the video raised enough to give Charlie's makeover wings. A few months ago I took the MiracleMakeovertm team to Wentzville, Missouri to help Charlie and family. With major support from The Heart Hat Volunteers from McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. we tackled two complete room remodels in thirty-two working hours. The snow-storm of the century couldn't keep us down. You will see Charlie's MiracleMakeovertm video episode here and may share it on your website, blog, intranet or Facebook beginning August 12. You all have a credit on the video, too! YOU are famous. The print story about Charlie's Makeover is featured in the August issue of Guideposts: America's #1 Inspirational Magazine.
JOIN THE WEEK: Simply write a kind, uplifting post; OR for the crafty -- you can "make" something positive. ( Really, any DIY or transformation is perfect! This about creative change.). And then link to the video and story. You can also join one of the blog parties listed below. Last year we had a week of internet goodness as hundreds of posts and stories about gratitude, miracles and transformation were shared. Thousands of comments were left! If you are not a blogger, please leave comments all around and email friends and family. Post on Facebook and anywhere someone might be helped by the inspiring story.
1 Kind Comment From You =
A $1.00 Donation From Our Sponsor on Your Behalf
Those funds go to help our non-profit partners Friends of Kids with Cancer , The Children's Tumor Foundation and for the next MiracleMakeovertm. You provide positive words and we provide the cash. We believe that you and your words have value!
Thrifty Curtains: Our makeover materials must be thrifty. We rely on creativity and the kindness of donors to achieve beauty on a small budget. We made curtains with built-in accent borders by cutting sheets so that the top of the sheet(normally running by the pillows across the bed) ran floor to ceiling; creating a gorgeous turquoise banding.The tab-bows are grosgrain ribbon. Sherry Mirador, Design Gives Back team, did the fine sewing.
Shown left to right: Judy Ciapciak, director, Friends of Kids With Cancer, Charlie and John Grady, Kelee Katillac, Design Gives Back and Corey Black, team leader McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
Charlie's MiracleMakeovertm Video Reveal Week is
August 12-18, 2011
Write a post or leave comments here or with these beautiful bloggers during the week:
Pink Saturday @ at How Sweet the Sound/ Beverly
Spiritual Sunday @ Spiritual Sunday /Charlotte & Ginger
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch Blog /Susan
Country Wings in Phoenix @ Country Wings in Phoenix Blog/Sherry
Please leave us a comment here today to let us know you are with us...
WELCOME TRANSFORMATION THURSDAY FRIENDS! PLEASE TAKE PART IN THE MIRACLE MAKEOVER PARTY STARTING AUGUST 12. SEE THE LIST OF LINKY HOSTS ABOVE....
Posted: DGB Media Team & Kelee
I am so excited and welcome back with your new blog! We missed you Kelee and crew!
Count me in for this event and I will tell EVERYONE!
Posted by: Joni Cobb | 07/22/2011 at 10:59 AM
Kellee, I just heard you are back here with us! I love this room and she look so happy. I can't wait to see the boy's rooms. Your videos are always so INSPIRING!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will write a FB and tell people at Hobby Lobby. This will be great. Last year rocked!
Posted by: Desi | 07/22/2011 at 12:00 PM
So excited about this new makeover. I'm glad you let us be a part of it. You are such a blessing Kelee. Thank you for all you do.
Hugs & blessings,
Charlotte
Posted by: Charlotte | 07/22/2011 at 12:09 PM
This is amazing! What a bright fun room.
I will put the word out at School too....
Posted by: Jules 2 | 07/22/2011 at 12:11 PM
Oh, so great to have you all stop by! I have missed everyone SO much. You are so kind and generous. Thank-you for being a part of this...it will be great this year! It all happened because of YOU.
Posted by: Kelee Katillac | 07/22/2011 at 12:16 PM
I will be linking up and spreading the news. God bless.
Posted by: Shanda Oakley | 07/22/2011 at 12:21 PM
Really, super amazing and exciting. I am coming up with a post now!
Posted by: Robin's Nest | 07/22/2011 at 12:54 PM
Sweet friend, another joyous moment in all our lives to share in what you do to bring love to others. So inspiring, Kelee.
Hugs & love,
Happy PS weekend ~
TTFN ~
Marydon
Posted by: Marydon | 07/22/2011 at 02:22 PM
Read about this at Pink Saturday. What a great thing you do. I will be happy to be a part of it!
Posted by: Deb | 07/22/2011 at 02:50 PM
It is the joy we can bring to others that makes life worthwhile. And, Kelee you are wonderful to give us opportunities to share joy.♥
Posted by: | 07/22/2011 at 02:56 PM
It is a (beyond) wonderful thing you are doing Kellee.
My prayers go out for Charlie, and his family as well.
God bless you all.
Posted by: Robin | 07/22/2011 at 05:02 PM
Wonderful! lovely bedroom!
My prayers go out for Charlie, and his family as well.
regards from Argentina
Posted by: Only Cute Things | 07/23/2011 at 06:50 AM
Happy Pink Saturday Kelee Sweetie...
We are off to another wonderful share. I can't wait to introduce Charlie and his family. What a wonderful gift of love you have given this family. Now it is our part to help in getting more donations for the next family in need of some love as well.
I will begin sharing some posts soon as well. My prayers and love to Charlie and family. What a long road they have been traveling, and you all gave them such a wonderful place to rest a while during their journey. Truly heart moving sweetie.
Happy to see you again. Many hugs and much love, Sherry
Posted by: Sherry | 07/23/2011 at 08:35 AM
The room is so very beautiful.
Posted by: Dee | 07/23/2011 at 08:47 AM
Happy Pink Saturday Kalee,
I love the story of Charlie, and what you created for his sister too. Praying for Charlie, and asking God for a miracle.
See you on the 12th.
Karen
Posted by: karen, A Scrapbook of Inspiration | 07/23/2011 at 08:49 AM
Good Morning Friends!
Thank-you for stopping by... we are starting to hummm with the life breath your comments at Pink Saturday and Spiritual Sunday and- here -- are giving this Miracle Makeover blog week!
Love you...and I will be stopping by this weekend at your blogs!
Kelee
Posted by: Kelee | 07/23/2011 at 11:28 AM
Dear Kelee, I am so glad to know about this. Count me in to participate on blog week. I agree that creating a more beautiful surrounding for someone builds hope. God bless you!
Posted by: Patti Hanan | 07/23/2011 at 04:33 PM
Hi Kelee,
We are all sooo overwhelmed with the love and blessings you and the Makeover team covered our family in. The rooms are beautiful and a happy place to heal but the makeover was so much more than pretty rooms....you all gave from your heart and soul and the impact that had on Charlie and the family will fill their hearts forever. We can't thank you all enough..God bless you all!
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkQcIqB3meEs5QT4lLkdWTxASN40pbK7To | 07/23/2011 at 05:16 PM
Hi Kelee,
This is totally amazing!! You are one in a million and the work you are doing is fantastic. So nice to meet you!!
XO
Cindy
Posted by: Cindy Adkins | 07/23/2011 at 08:50 PM
Beautifully touching. There's something heartwarming about reading what you are doing for others. May God bless your week and give you a special blessing for the joy you share with others.
Blessings,
Pamela
Posted by: Pamela | 07/23/2011 at 09:28 PM
Thank you for getting us involved... we need more people like you in this world! :)
Posted by: mercedes scott | 07/23/2011 at 10:17 PM
Wonderful, once again! Thank you for the opportunity to share. HPS, have a wonderful week.
Posted by: Nancy at Linens and Laurel | 07/24/2011 at 11:15 AM
Hi Kelee, Thanks for sharing this special project with us.
XO, Linda
Posted by: Linda | 07/24/2011 at 02:36 PM
Hi Kelee it's me Kara words again can not express the wonderful things you have done for my family. You truly are a one of a kind woman. Can't wait to see the video. Lots of love Kara
Posted by: Kara | 07/24/2011 at 04:45 PM
I'm so excited about this miracle makeover, I can't wait.
God Bless,
Ginger
Posted by: Ginger | 07/24/2011 at 06:28 PM
Welcome back Kelee...and this is such an important cause. The pictures of the decorated rooms are so cheerful!
Posted by: black eyed susans kitchen | 07/24/2011 at 08:38 PM
Kelee and team, you guys are so inspiring beyond words! God is working through you and passing it unto us. I am definitely in for Aug! I will spread the word as well. God bless you all!
Posted by: Elisa Choi | 07/25/2011 at 02:32 AM
I was at the reveal in spite of the massive snow, waited patiently in the garage for Charlie to come running through and saw first hand the joy and respite these rooms have given the Grady family. They could not wait to tell everyone and bring us up to see their newly decorated spaces. Like Charlie, the garbage truck bed is truly one of a kind. There is something special for each of them that continues to take their minds off chemo. Thank you for a job well done, with lots of heart!
Posted by: Joan Grady | 07/25/2011 at 12:23 PM
Oh Grady family, it was a joy and privilege to work with Katie, Charlie and Liam! They are so smart, wise and courageous!
Blessings!
love, kelee
Posted by: Kelee | 07/25/2011 at 01:49 PM
Dear Kelee and Team:
I just saw the video at Guideposts. It is totally wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It should be on tv and you should have a show.
I am going to post on FB abut it now and count us in!
Joe Beth & Pat
Posted by: Joe Beth | 07/25/2011 at 04:01 PM
I cant wait to see the beauty this brings. I will wait breathlessly for the reveal. God Bless, Heidi.
Posted by: Heidi Weyant | 07/25/2011 at 09:39 PM
i was able to see charlie, liam and katie's rooms in person and they are absolutely delightful. great job, miracle makeover. you guys are amazing!!!
Posted by: helen obrien | 07/26/2011 at 07:26 AM
This is AWESOME! I love what you said about design volunteers in the top post.
I am in up to my eye-balls you can count on me and my design group!
Posted by: JuJu Lether | 07/26/2011 at 07:29 PM
Everyone you should go see the emotional post Sherry at Country Wings in Phoenix has up right now.... click on the link in the post...
Posted by: Kelee Katillac | 07/29/2011 at 08:31 AM
Hi Kelly! Kaitie is very cute! The room is so colorful and bright. We just love Design Gives Back!heart-Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | 07/29/2011 at 06:48 PM
Hhi Kelee,
I would love to participate and will do a blog post and have a giveaway on my blog to encourage leaving a comment.
I was so happy to hear from you and that you are still doing your Miracle Makeovers.
Hugs and Blessings,
Erin
Posted by: Erin | 07/29/2011 at 07:41 PM
You are such an inspiration to others. I will be linking up and spreading the news.
Posted by: Annette | 07/31/2011 at 06:39 PM
Greetings from Down under! I just wanted to let you know that joined in last year and I will be sure to join in again this year too!
Best wishes,
Natasha.
Posted by: Natasha @ 5 Minutes Just for Me | 07/31/2011 at 09:19 PM
This is a great idea and cause. So happy to be writing a Miracle post. I will help on Facebook too.
Beautiful work Kellee and team!
Susie
Posted by: Susie B. | 08/02/2011 at 07:50 AM
Thank-you Everyone!
Your support and help will make this successful and a miracle for all that see Charlie and his family.
YOU made his happen starting last year with this blog week....
love to all!
Kelee
Posted by: Kelee Katillac | 08/02/2011 at 07:57 AM
What fun! So happy to help Kelee!
Posted by: Rhonda Carter | 08/03/2011 at 06:09 PM
I left a comment above too.
This room is so charming. she is very happy!
It is amazing to see what a difference changes can make for someone.
Posted by: Robin's Nest | 08/05/2011 at 11:01 AM
I can't wait to see the reveal. You have a good heart, Kelee....Christine
Posted by: Christine | 08/06/2011 at 01:27 AM
I came here from Happy Pink Saturday...Let's do it! :) I'll spread the word in my blog, etc. Best wishes to everybody!
Posted by: Dorincard | 08/06/2011 at 01:29 PM
Kelee, I'm so glad to have "found" you again. I've missed your uplifting spirit. I'm in and will write a blog post (and maybe make something) and link to the video. This is so exciting!
L'Tanya
Posted by: L'Tanya | 08/07/2011 at 03:26 PM
What an amazing event & more amazing room!!
Posted by: DeniseMarie | 08/07/2011 at 04:52 PM
I just keep reading & rereading your 'gifts' to the children, Kelee. Makes me so full & happy to know that you love bringing a smile to a child, as do I.
Thank you.
Hugs & love,
Marydon
Posted by: Marydon | 08/08/2011 at 09:28 PM
Hello Kelee,
This is so wonderful! I received your comment on my post in Met Monday and will gladly participate next week, I will dedicate a post to this beautiful cause and will encourage those who participate in my party, "A Return To Loveliness" next tuesday to join in as well - I'll post on my blog to encourage others to participate! You are such a blessing and an inspiration!
God Bless,
Kathy
A Delightsome Life
http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com
Posted by: Kathy | 08/09/2011 at 07:43 AM
It touches my heart deeply to see those in such need of encouragement being blessed this way. I had to run get tissues, last time, reading about and watching Colette's story unfold. I'll be sure to have them close by for Charlie's reveal. ;)
God bless you for being such a blessing!
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage | 08/10/2011 at 09:36 AM
I thought I had left a comment that I plan on participating this weekend. ...but I didn't see it. Just wanted to make sure I had! I hope our Pink Sat. efforts help to raise lots of money for this worthy cause!!! dana
Posted by: dana | 08/11/2011 at 09:51 PM
What a wonderful make over so far! I love this cause and will have my post ready to join in and will visit all the linked blogs!
Posted by: Linda @ A La Carte | 08/12/2011 at 12:22 PM
Kelee including me as a part of your crew and in the lives of these beautiful people The Grady's have been a blessing in my life. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't say a little prayer for Charlie and his family. They are so special as are you. Your video reveal truly captured the spirit of what we all strive for "To give back". God Bless Design Gives Back for their love and talent and Guidepost for being the vehicle to spread these heart warming stories. XOXO
Posted by: Michele Taylor | 08/12/2011 at 01:32 PM
This is a great story of courage and conviction. Kelee's design is amazing and I know Charlie, Liam and Kaitlin are inspired. I'm proud that the McCarthy Heart Hats team was part of it.
Posted by: Phil | 08/12/2011 at 03:44 PM
The rooms are beautiful. Such a great gift for such a special little boy.
Posted by: Julie | 08/12/2011 at 06:12 PM
Did I say that I have my Miracle post up and going? I have left a comment on every one of the hosts. Well, I have to go back over to Erin's....she must have her comments turned off..
What else can I do other than link with a video (I don't know how to do that..remember I am olden and SLOW TO LEARN. :))
lOVE, bj
Posted by: bj | 08/12/2011 at 06:19 PM
What a fantastic cause -- and what a fantastic job -- making seriously ill children happier in beautiful new surroundings. You scored a 10 on this one.
Posted by: Randy | 08/13/2011 at 09:55 AM
What a beautiful room for such a beautiful girl!! Love it!!!
Posted by: Cathy O'Brien | 08/13/2011 at 10:45 AM
With you, and spreading the word.
Posted by: Cass at That Old House | 08/13/2011 at 11:01 AM
People like you are so beautiful. The pictures just move me to tears. Bless you for giving to Charles, his brother and sister and his parents this Miracle Makeover. Blessings.
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn Kreizl | 08/13/2011 at 11:40 AM
Hooray to you and your sponsor for doing this! Some lovely pics and design!
Posted by: Michelle L. | 08/13/2011 at 03:40 PM
Amazing and so excited to see more miracles taking place...Kelee you are such a inspiration and blessing to so many! Bless you and all of those that help you and spread the wonderful miracles!
Posted by: Lynn | 08/13/2011 at 08:19 PM
Awesome room, Katie! You deserve it and all the other great things life has in store for you.
Posted by: Andrew | 08/13/2011 at 08:42 PM
A wonderful cause!
Posted by: Glenda/MidSouth | 08/14/2011 at 05:01 PM
Hi lovely lady.
I would like to Thank you Kelee for doing so much !!
You are a Beautiful Lady..
xxoo
Posted by: Diane | 08/14/2011 at 05:53 PM
I think the Miracle Makeover team have hearts of pure gold. (Yeah McCarthy! ) This room is amazing, but it is the care in the making that shows their love.
Posted by: Pamela | 08/15/2011 at 07:28 AM
Certainly a beauty filled room!! Just lovely!!
Smiles....
Beverly
Posted by: tea time and roses | 08/15/2011 at 02:43 PM
Your heart is very full!
Posted by: Willa Downes | 08/16/2011 at 04:16 AM
Kellee the rooms you did were just wonderful. The work you do is inspiring. Thanks Debbie
Posted by: Debbie Guess | 08/16/2011 at 04:27 PM
I am so happy for Charlie and the entire Grady family! Children should never have to know anything about chemotherapy. Friends of Kids With Cancer supported a dear friend of mine in 2005 and I never will be able to thank them enough for the things they do for the children of St Louis. Stay stron Grady family and cherish every memory!!!!
Posted by: Tracy Gaugh | 08/16/2011 at 07:17 PM
What a wonderful cause! I will pass the word...Blessings...
Posted by: Vicki Zellner | 08/16/2011 at 08:58 PM