Andrew's story
I
expected to have a great time decorating a kid's room. . . I expected to feel like we were “making a difference.” But I did not expect to fall in love with a 31/2 year old that wasn't my own!
Andrew Sprague was Room to Heal's first beneficiary, but he will be a hard act to follow. Andrew has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, so he is on thirteen types of chemotherapy, as well as several other “meds” as he calls them. He also has radiation, shots, check-ups, and other various medical appointments regularly. He doesn't get to play with other school aged kids, since his immune system is so low. So is this why he was so eager to crawl up in my lap and discuss the décor of his room? Is this why he seemed much more appreciative than most other kids? I do not know, but either way, Andrew was downright charming from beginning to end. He picked an “Under the Sea” room for the theme. We cut out and painted characters of Andrew and his sister Christine Scuba diving, Nemo and associated characters, Flounder and Sebastian. We attached these painted figures to a faux painted wall, and added additional fish, seaweed, and coral in the background.
Bringing a smile to Andrew's face ranks up there as one of the highlights of my year. Working with Andrew and his wonderful family was a good reminder of all that is important in life . . . And all that is not.
See Andrew's Room to Heal
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