Charlie’s Miracle Room

The August issue of Guideposts,  an inspirational magazine, features McCarthy Heart Hats volunteers, in partnership with nationally-recognized interior design expert Kelee Katillac and Friends of Kids with Cancer, hard at work transforming the bedroom of Charlie Grady. http://www.guideposts.org/inspirational-stories/room-makeover-brings-hope-sick-boy

Who: Charlie, a 7-year old cancer patient from Wentzville, Mo., and son of McCarthy BIM Manager John Grady, suffers from Neurofibromatosis type 1. The young boy is currently undergoing his second grueling course of chemotherapy at St. Louis Children's Hospital to treat life-threatening brain tumors.

When: Reveal of transformed children's bedrooms published in Guideposts this month, corresponding with a Blog Party and social media campaign designed to raise funds for Friends of Kids with Cancer locally, as well as raise money to help more cancer patients, such as Charlie. September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month.

Where: The John Grady home in Wentzville, Mo.

How McCarthy got Involved: "When Kelee approached us about helping to complete a Miracle Room Makeover for Charlie, it really hit home on so many levels," explained McCarthy Central Division President Scott Wittkop. "As a hospital builder, we specialize in building healing environments. Now we could put these skills to work to help make a real difference for one family in our local community that could go on inspire millions around the world through the reach of Guideposts Magazine. Our employees jumped at the chance to get involved."

What Happened Next: In February 2011, Kelee Katillac and the Guideposts team traveled to Missouri, in response to a letter from Charlie's Grandmother, to make Charlie's bedroom into a space of hope and happiness for him during this upcoming year of treatments and beyond. The months of pre-planning for the Miracle Makeover resulted in an intensive week of activities and culminated with an emotional "reveal" as the week came to a close.

The Designer's Philosophy: "Color can affect mental attitude, assist in pain management, and increase wellness" explained Katillac. "Working closely with Charlie and using art therapy techniques, we were able to identify those colors that had a positive impact for Charlie and then design and build his new room around these." With a love of trucks and Thomas the Train, these elements became the heart of the room's theme.

An important part of the Miracle Makeover includes engaging the family in the healing process while also transforming the physical space. Charlie has two siblings, a brother, Liam, 9 (with whom he shares a bed-room) and sister Kaitlin, 13. "When one child in a family is seriously ill, the other children feel it and suffer in their own way too," continued Katillac. "Our goal was to provide an emotional outlet and celebrate their life interests through therapeutic art projects that were part of room makeovers for both Liam and Kaitlin."

Participating People and Organizations: Charlie's parents also participated in the week-long process including a "day of beauty" for mom, Kara. The requirements of chemotherapy have left the family few resources for vacations or down time. The Residence Inn of O'Fallon, Mo., donated rooms and fun amenities for the family's week.

McCarthy Hearts Hats Project Manager Corey Black coordinated the building process with the design team and managed the team of volunteers. "Working closely with Kelee, we began working on our plan for the construction months in advance," explained Black. "Packing so many activities into an intense week certainly added a sense of excitement to the process. Seeing the faces of Charlie and his family when the new spaces were revealed was especially meaningful."
To make the project a reality was truly a team effort. Key sponsors in addition to McCarthy were Lowe's, Residence Inn by Marriot, Flooring Systems, Design Gives Back, Sachs Electric and Children's Hospital St. Louis.

The Family's Response:
"This process has been a miracle for our family," commented John Grady, Charlie's father. "It is never easy to have a child who is ill. The Makeover brought so much joy to Charlie and our entire family during a difficult time and continues to do so. And to know that his story will hopefully go on to inspire others really makes it special. We can't thank everyone enough for your support."

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