Special Spaces Chicagoland, a non-profit organization that creates dream bedrooms for children with life-threatening medical conditions, conducted a bedroom makeover for thirteen year-old Berwyn resident Julissa Alvarez on Tuesday, March 4, 2014.

In January 2013, Julissa was unexpectedly diagnosed with Cardiac Sarcoma, an extremely rare cancer that afflicts about one in one million, but Julissa has remained positive and following her dreams of playing soccer and modeling.

Community partners have contributed to this project. Home Depot donated cabinet materials and supplies. Additionally, EMC2 of Naperville, an IT solutions company, is sponsoring the room and providing 11 employees who will be painting and constructing throughout the day.

Naperville resident Kelly Knox founded the Special Spaces Chicagoland chapter in 2012. Since its inception, over a dozen ill children have gotten room makeovers. Knox has a full slate schedule for 2014 and a waiting list is in place for many more deserving children.

The organization’s goal is to create dream bedrooms for children with life-threatening medical illnesses. The focus is answering one question: Where does a child go when battling a serious illness to find peace and comfort? A bedroom of course.

For details, go to http://www.specialspaceschicagoland.org. For more information on how you can volunteer, donate, or start a chapter yourself, please contact kellyk@specialspaces.org.