It’s possible to have an ocean view room, right here in Naperville. Sam Matusik, 12, got one last week.
“I think it is incredible,” said his mom, Lynn. “We are overwhelmed by the support and love everyone has shown and how everyone helped to do this for Sam.”
Sam, who was born with complex chromosomal abnormalities and is unable to walk or talk, received the bedroom makeover courtesy of Special Spaces, a nonprofit organization that decorates dream bedrooms for children battling life-threatening illnesses. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Tennessee, Special Spaces has branches across the U.S. in 19 states, including Illinois.
“I don’t want to say his room is his Xanadu, but whenever he lays in bed he is so happy,” his mom said. “He loves being in there and it is one of his favorite places.”
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Special Spaces relies solely on the donations of local businesses, corporations, and community and youth groups. For a project to occur, they need to secure a “sponsor” to provide about $4,000 and a team of volunteers to support the makeover. Scullen Middle School, where Sam is a student, was the room’s sponsor.
Naperville resident Kelly Knox, who has made creating dream rooms her passion since becaming the Special Spaces Chicagoland director in 2013, said Scullen rose to the challenge.
“It is hard work to solicit donations and raise money, but like everything Scullen does, they go above and beyond,” Knox said. “Instead of raising enough for one room, they said they wanted to do two rooms. That is kind of a theme with Scullen; they do everything 110 percent.”
Over the course of the school year, they partnered with local restaurants for fundraising nights, held school dances to raise funds, and reached out to students and parents of the school for donations. Because Sam’s two brothers go to Crone Middle School, that school also got involved with fundraising efforts.
Not only did the Scullen community lend their financial support by raising $9,000 — $1,000 more than required — they volunteered their time as well.
“When our counselor Dina Esposito brought the idea to us, we knew we wanted to get involved,” Scullen Principal Jim Seput said. “This was really a community effort and everyone came forward to be part of this.”
In April, they completed the first room makeover for student Jed Jellouli. On May 14, they tackled Sam’s room.
Because he loves water and dolphins, a dolphin-themed room was an obvious choice. Along with a mural by Ken Markiewicz of Crayons Gone Wild that brought the ocean indoors, the Special Spaces team came up with some creative solutions to house Sam’s medical equipment and make the room an oasis.
Sam didn’t need to say a word because his smile said it all. Surrounded by his parents and brothers, the 12-year-old was beaming when he saw his newly decorated room for the first time.
“I think Sam senses the love from everybody, and he is going to love his room,” Lynn said.
Jane Donahue is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.