There are people who talk of helping others, and then there are people who actually help others. Jennifer Sewell is one of the doers. President and founder of a nonprofit organization called Special Spaces, Sewell and her team transform the bedrooms of critically ill children into peaceful retreats where kids can rest, and be inspired. Sewell feels that these children spend their days battling serious illnesses, and deserve a room of their dreams. (Jennifer's story is continued below.)
"I'll never find a cure for cancer, but this is what I can do," says Sewell. "I can make their battle a little more comfortable, and a lot prettier."Sewell, an artist and seamstress by trade, had always enjoyed designing children's rooms. Special Spaces came to fruition when Dream Connection, a charity that grants wishes to ill children, asked her if she would be open to designing a boy's bedroom who was deciding between a new room, or a trip to Disney World.
"If he chose Disney World, he'd have to give up the new bedroom," says Sewell. I thought, 'Curtains, bedding...paint? I can do all that and he can still have his trip!'"
Relatives and friends of the children usually call or write Sewell on behalf of the child. She then interviews the child and their parents about the design. It's the goal of Special Spaces to give the child exactly what they want. If she wants pink princesses and sparkly everywhere, that's what she’ll get! From the initial interview to the unveiling of the room, usually takes a span of eight weeks. Time is needed for Sewell to get it all together.
Sewell says, "We sew, paint, make furniture, recover chairs...anything it takes to create this special space."
A room by Special Spaces is completely designed by Sewell, a licensed contractor is on site for every job and the crew stays as true to the child's vision as possible. The makeover takes place in a single day, and neither the child nor the parents can see the room until it is completed. Sewell and her team go to corporations, businesses and organizations asking to sponsor a room...and also ask for eight to ten employees to help for the day. The family pays nothing! Even though everyone knows the overall theme of the room, it is still quite a surprise to the child when they see their dream made into a reality.
"Watching their faces when they see their room for the first time is something I will never forget," says Sewell. "They truly get the room of their dreams. I think for just a moment they forget they are sick...and, that is awesome!"
Jennifer Sewell...a woman who has used her charitable heart and crafty hands to create an organization that gives countless sick children a sense of hope and inspiration. She is an inspiration, herself. We're proud to feature Jennifer Sewell as part of our DIY Women series.
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