What I learned is that each room needs $25,000 to be completely renovated (the rooms are still in the original 1973 form with very few changes made over the years). It was during our meeting that I also learned that the $25,000 includes all new equipment; monitors, beds, sleeper beds for parents and new cribs in rooms that currently have them.
The hospital has several proposals out in the community and are confident that at least 2 of the rooms will be funded by the holidays.
That leaves one room left, waiting to be funded, so that 
children, like Zack, will have a much more comfortable environment, with brand new equipment and a fabulously decorated room, in which to stay when they are sick. When we were asked in the spring, if we would like to fund 2 rooms, both Paul and I felt very strongly that we were building “Zack’s Dream ROOM” not ROOMS. Since Zack’s room had such a theme and a story, it didn’t feel right to just create a second room. So, we chose to replace the cribs ($5500 each!). There are currently no other needs in the Pediatric or even Emergency units at York Central.
I was once again asked if we would be interested in funding another room, in Zack’s honour. We are $6500 shy of the $50,000 needed for two rooms to be completed. This time, I really considered what this would “look” like and the story that we could create surrounding the second room. Elmo and Zack’s Dream Room is certainly the priority and the main room in which to honour all that made our son so incredibly special.
But, did we have another chance to share some of Zack’s inspiration with this second room?
I started to think about other ways in which we could honour Zack and therefore, create another room as special as he was. It had to really MEAN something! My first thought was to our other boys, Ty and Jayden. Could this be a way for them to help create a space for their brother and really participate in this project? Could they be included in Zack’s legacy? I think so!
Our family has always had favourite animals for each of us; Paul is the lion, Ty is the cheetah, I am the elephant, Jayden is the hippo and Zack was the giraffe. The zoo and animals have been so important in our family.
Could we create a Zoo-themed room with our 5 animals….as a way to keep the 5 of us together forever? A symbolic way to honour our family of 5.
So, I’m asking YOU- our biggest supporters, family and friends.
How do YOU feel about funding the second room?
Sarah
November 26, 2011 at 1:55 am (12 years ago)Bring it on!!!!!!! I will support you!
partymomma
November 27, 2011 at 7:58 pm (12 years ago)i feel that you raised so much money and can almost fund the 2nd room. otherwise, what would that money be for? I like the idea you have. Zoo animals are fun for kids and it’s a great symbolism for your family. I say why not? Perhaps name it after “the hamiltons” or something that really speaks to Ty and Jayden in some way. Naming it seperate from Zack’s room will keep his room extra special but the extra room will help even more kids feel a bit better during their stay.
Steve Kubien
November 29, 2011 at 11:58 am (12 years ago)Sorry, I’m just coming to this now. I love the idea of a zoo/wildlife inspired room! Get the boys involved in “naming” it? “T&J’s Crib” or something like that? I don’t know. It’s early and I am rambling…
You asked if we can do this (second room). My question is, how can we not do this?!?! Putting my money where my mouth is, I am donating 25% of all my Etsy sales from the month of December to the cause (www.greenleafwood.etsy.com). Later today, I will put a notice in my shop’s announcements, my own blog, Facebook and start spreading the news on Twitter.
Merry Christmas Zack.
Sharon
November 29, 2011 at 12:04 pm (12 years ago)I would be honored to help you in any way I can. xo
Alyson Schmiedeberg
November 29, 2011 at 11:14 pm (12 years ago)Awsome Idea!!!!
Kathy
December 3, 2011 at 12:34 am (12 years ago)I agree! I think it’s a great idea for the second room. I’d love to help you make this happen.
Lisa
December 6, 2011 at 9:00 pm (12 years ago)Such a perfect theme idea. You know I’m in.
Michele Stalker
January 10, 2012 at 3:57 pm (12 years ago)I say go for it! You have inspired so many people and you are so close to help create another room. I love the zoo theme and having something that reflects Ty and Jayden will mean so much to them. TJ’s Zoo..TJ’s Wildlife Safari…Hamilton Zoo…just some thoughts. Let us know what we can do. There are so many people supporting you!