Grace Kenneally, who suffers from Neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer, was surprised with the playroom of her dreams this weekend as Hand in Hand and a group of volunteers transformed her previously drab playroom into a pink and purple girly haven where she can rest, play and feel like a princess.
Grace, who was sent to stay with her Grandmother while the room underwent transformation, was delighted with her new playroom which was decorated in her favourite colours pink and purple with rainbows and fairy lights. Grace also received a laptop, pink carpets and blinds and a beanbag to complete the room. Her Mum, Ethna Kenneally, commented that Grace is over the moon about her new playroom and has christened it Fairyland.
Grace was first diagnosed with Neuroblastoma Stage 3, a rare cancer that occurs in infants and young children, in September 2010. She completed six cycles of chemotherapy, surgery and several tests to check her heart, kidneys and hearing for damage and was in remission for nine months. Unfortunately she relapsed in January 2012 and after another seven cycles of chemotherapy, three weeks of radiotherapy and several scans she remains on harsh treatment, Cis-retinoic acid, to try and eradicate the remaining Neuroblastoma cells. Despite this, Grace remains happy and full of life, enjoying school, friends and of course, her new playroom.
Ethna and Grace have been with Hand in Hand, a local charity that provides practical and emotional support to families who are affected by childhood cancer, for over two years. Childhood cancer treatment often lasts for years and can have a significant impact on the families it affects, as treatment involves extensive travel, time and focus. There is often little time for household chores or other siblings and Hand in Hand organises cleaning, laundry, childcare and meal services to families in need.
The Room Makeover Project is a new initiative by Hand in Hand to ease the burden and emotional suffering of childhood cancer on the families it works with. During treatment, children with cancer are often housebound and prevented from going to school for fear of infection. The idea of the playroom is to create a bright and happy haven for sick children, where they can play, rest and learn without worrying about infection or their illness.
The room makeover was sponsored by a Bring & Buy Sale run by St Mary’s National School in Arva Co. Cavan. The laptop was sponsored by SAP Galway and a group of volunteers from the Galway Volunteer Centre did the makeover over the weekend. Room furniture was donated by Crown Decorating Centre, McDonogh’s Trade Centre, Blind Design (all based in Galway), O’Hara’s Carpets (Swinford, Mayo) and Montana Furniture (Dublin).
For more information about Hand in Hand or the Room Makeover Project visit www.handinhand.ie or call 091 799759.
For a full video of the project see Grace’s Room Makeover at HandinHandIreland on Youtube.
