Design Gives Back: July 2015

MIRACLE MAKEOVER: Bone Marrow Donor to Receive New Room

It was a life or death situation. Isaiah had found out that he was a rare bone marrow match for his little brother Elijah, then five years-old. This would be a chance to save Elijah's life. Without hesitation the 14 year old jumped-in to save his drowning brother. Three years earlier, his 13 year old sister, Essence, had died from the same disease that was trying to pull Elijah under too. But, not to be; Elijah has now been cured of Sickle Cell Anemia by Isaiah's gift of life. We find the valor of Isaiah to be awe inspiring. It is time this young man has a room for hope and happiness. A place designed by him to express goals and dreams of a bright future. Will he become a doctor, politician, or engineer? These are all on his radar.

I have been personally assisting Isaiah in the creation of his space. He has deep sensitivity and artistry of spirit. His room will be insightful, modern and in good taste. His color palette is earthy yet retro: leaf green, chocolate brown, teal, saffron, tangerine and white. So far, he leans toward mid-century furniture silhouettes and edits decisively.

Today, Josh Jett, left, of Home Delivery Service KC, assisted Isaiah, right, and myself, in assembling the FLOR area rug. The modular carpet tiles allowed Isaiah to customize the colors, design and size. The rug is the color "hub" for the new room. Josh references the FLOR website on his I-Phone for installation instructions. Stay tuned for the video reveal to see the final product.

" This is a new start. I am very grateful to Design Gives Back for this opportunity to define my life and world. For years, I have felt just caught up in events. It felt like the old things in my room were keeping me in the past. I needed to cleanse my mind and space. I get to choose what happens here," said Isaiah.

Whatever he chooses to pursue in life, it is already a fact that Isaiah is a true leader. He has shown us the need for bone marrow donors and that it is a rewarding process. Saving a life, what could be better? Bone marrow is needed to heal many diseases. To find out more go to:

The Bone Marrow Foundation.org

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.org

~ Kelee Katillac

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DCM CONSTRUCTION: Helping Create Dream Rooms for Those In-Need

DCM Construction Company of Kansas City, Missouri is led by the noble Rick Bright. When Bright, below left, heard that a brother US Marine's family was struggling with the congenital disease of Sickle Cell Anemia, he volunteered the services of his talented craftsmen to help Design Gives Back create two dream bedrooms.

Elijah and Isaiah D. are the recipients of the Miracle Makeover now in-progress. Because Elijah has had complications due to a bone marrow transplant that have devastated his stomach and caused ongoing health concerns, we have endeavored to use the most hygienic and non-toxic materials in the installation. Jesper Nielsen, right, of DCM Construction spent three days of the past week installing a low VOC engineered wood floor by Mullican. DCM's crew will continue to help with carpentry throughout the project. We are honored to share this project space with Bright and all of his DCM Construction "Knights in Shining Tool-belts."

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SHERWIN WILLIAMS: Healthier Paint for Elijah's Miracle Makeover

Anyone who has suffered with health issues knows that keeping the immune system strong by limiting exposure to chemicals and germs is a must. In our upcoming Miracle Makeover Elijah's room will be painted with Sherwin Williams' ProMar 200. It is a zero VOC (volatile organic compounds) product that does not "off gas" dangerous chemicals into the environment. Not only does Sherwin Williams care about our health, but, they also just simply care. This company with heart is providing all of the paint for the Daniel Family makeover. Jonathan Nelson, right, of the Kansas City, Missouri, Wornall location, models ProMar 200. Thank-you to store manager Casey Carey, and the Sherwin Williams Paint Company for your ongoing support of Design Gives Back projects. We love you!

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DESIGN HEROES: Home Delivery Service KC

The work on Elijah and Isaiah's Miracle Makeover has started! Design Gives Back projects are all about team work. Since this makeover is in the Kansas City area we asked some of our good friends and design - related associates to join us in the joy of working together to provide rooms for hope, health and happiness.

Jacob Rueschhoff and Matt Groves are two of the best white glove furniture delivery guys around. On client installations I am always comfortable with their professionalism and handling of fine furniture.

Back at the warehouse, shown left to right, Jeff Groves, owner Jason Rueschhoff and Josh Jett take care of booking, assembly and related services. The crew at Home Delivery Service KC has my undying loyalty because, yes, they are great at what they do -- but, mostly for their generosity and kindness. They have agreed to do all furniture receiving, assembly ( a real chore) and installation for this Miracle Makeover. Now, that is knowing how to deliver.

~Kelee Katillac

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MIRACLE MAKEOVER: Elijah to Receive Ninja Chef Bedroom

Try and imagine living your life in a hospital room. Then, think of not eating a meal for three years: no ice cream, no french fries, no gummy worms or chicken tenders. The comfort foods that most 8 year olds love - when sick -- being completely out of reach. Little Elijah has lived this life until very recently.

The Backstory: Jesse and his wife Nakia lost their 13 year old daughter, Essence, to Sickle-Cell Anemia six years ago. Their youngest son Elijah, age 8, has lived at Children's Mercy Hospital for the past several years in a constant fight for his life with the same disease. Their middle son, Isaiah, gave his brother bone marrow for a transplant three years ago. Elijah's body then developed complications and caused greater suffering for him and the family.

Now, Elijah is in remission and can go home for the first time. He has never had a bedroom of his own. Isaiah, his brother, has been living in a toddler room even though he is now a teenager, since his sister died. For the family, grief had stopped the passing of time, that is until now.

Design Gives Back will provide the family with two rooms for these brave brothers that have endured so much. In August, life will take a happy turn for the family as our sponsors and crew design their dreams into a reality. Since Elijah was unable to eat for three years while in the hospital, he now loves food and wants to be a chef when he grows-up. We will make a small restaurant area in his room. He loves Ninja Turtles too and says "they will dine on pizza in my restaurant"....find him in his Ninja mask posted here. His cheeks are plump from steroid medicine, making him extra cute and his smile melts many hearts. Stay tuned for another inspiring makeover from our kind designers, craftspeople, volunteers, and corporate sponsors. It will make you believe that there is goodness in this world, I promise.