5-year-old cancer survivor receives dream room makeover
By Zoie Henry
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WAUKESHA, Wisconsin (WISN) — A nonprofit organization gave 5-year-old Alice Endres, a kindergartener battling cancer, a dream room makeover, creating a joyful moment for her family.
Alice, who was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer that spread to her lungs, returned home to a grand reveal of her new bedroom.
“There’s a lot of bed making, there’s a lot of hanging of art,” said Colleen Cowan, a director with the nonprofit Special Spaces. “There’s creative decisions that are made by the volunteers.”
Alice’s mother, Julianne, shared the moment they realized something was wrong.
“So it was Alice’s fifth birthday party that we decided she needed to go in. Something wasn’t right. She didn’t want to play at her birthday party. And we got her in for bloodwork,” Julianne said.
During Alice’s 42 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation, Julianne discovered Special Spaces, which creates dream bedrooms for children battling life-threatening illnesses.
“Alice was so sweet. She is. She has got a really sweet, warm soul. She wanted. And mom and dad wanted a really great place for her just to be able to rest and relax. Have good night sleep,” Cowan said.
“This is super important because you’re taking a family who have just been given their worst news ever, and you’re just saying, OK, you know what? You’re really busy. We’d like to give you a space that is what you’re looking for,” Cowan added.
The transformation took just one day, culminating in an emotional reveal.
“Alice, knock on the door three times,” Cowan said.
“They said, ‘Come on in, Alice,'” Lillian, Alice’s older sister said.
“Open it, open it, open it!” Julianne said.
Alice’s new lavender, floral, artist-themed getaway brought her joy.
“My very own mirror,” Alice said.
Special Spaces also surprised Alice’s big sister, Lily, with a room makeover of her own.
“Let’s face it, the siblings go through a lot when the child is in treatment. And, you know, sometimes the siblings sort of have to maybe go on the back burner for a few minutes. So we wanted to be able to do something for Lily, too,” Cowan said.
Reflecting on the support they’ve received, Julianne expressed her gratitude.
“We are very, very fortunate to have so many people throw happiness around like confetti. And they show up when they had absolutely no reason to show up for, for our small little family,” Julianne said.
Alice, who has now completed treatment, is set to ring the “end of treatment” bell next week.
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