Dreams granted with bedroom makeovers
In recognition of its Childhood Cancer Program's 10-year anniversary, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, is collaborating with Special Spaces to surprise 10 children across the U.S. affected by childhood cancer with dream bedroom makeovers.
On September 8, the partnership kicked off in Northwestern Mutual’s hometown of Milwaukee, surprising Autumn, a brave eight-year-old who loves the outdoors and is currently facing leukemia, with a newly designed room to call her own.
“Every child deserves a special place at home to call their own, and it is especially invaluable for children with cancer to have a place where they can escape their worries and regain their strength after doctor appointments, treatment, and hospital visits,” said Steve Radke, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation.
Dedicated volunteers from the company’s Milwaukee-based Lueder Financial Group and Holter Financial Group worked tirelessly to bring Autumn’s vision to life and create a space for her to sleep, play, heal and spend time away from the challenges of her illness, said the firm.
Inspired by Autumn’s love for the outdoors, sunshine, and stars, the crew of volunteers worked together to paint the room, create custom decorations, and organize the space with new furniture to fit the theme.
During the big reveal, Autumn was surprised with her dream bedroom, which has an outdoorsy feel, complete with a special campsite area featuring a toy campfire for her and her family and friends to enjoy.
A childhood cancer diagnosis changes every aspect of a child’s life.
Attending doctor’s appointments, visiting the hospital, and receiving treatments and surgeries all contribute to kids being out of their comfort zone.
Together, Northwestern Mutual and Special Spaces are creating spaces where children can escape from the realities of their cancer diagnosis, and simply enjoy being a kid, said the company.
“At this milestone anniversary, our commitment to creating moments of happiness for children with cancer has never been stronger, and our dedicated volunteers are making it happen by creating dream bedrooms for children across the country,” said Radke.
Throughout the fall, volunteers from Northwestern Mutual’s local offices will surprise a child affected by cancer with a dream bedroom makeover in 10 cities across the country: Milwaukee, Dubuque, Buffalo, Chicago, Chattanooga, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Omaha, Cleveland and Boca Raton.