Introducing Zack’s Dream Room….

The two days that it took to create Zack’s Dream Room are days that I will truly never forget. Surrounded by the nurses who cared for Zack during his sickest days, neighbours who used to sneeze to make Zack laugh, our own family who had been waiting anxiously, and designers who translated the essence of Zack into paint, we created the most perfect tribute to a little boy who has inspired so many people.
Nikki, Smita, Dillon and Sunil paint for Zack
Hazans paint Elmo

Painting team; Rich, Eren and Kevin
Thank you Bermans!
Sarah, Ryan and Leigh-Ann
Our neighbours and Zack’s biggest fans!

You have all been along this journey with us…and now I can share the completed room. It was important that all of Zack’s littlest supporters came to help paint the room, so as our friends and neighbours came in throughout the day, they could all say that they helped create Zack’s Dream Room. I had Benjamin Moore painter’s hats to decorate, Kinder Surprise Eggs and bubbles for all the kids to take home, as a reminder of what they had done to create the room.

After DAY 1, I had a hard time leaving….but after DAY 2, I took a video tour of Zack’s Room to allow all of YOU who made this possible. Whether it was volunteering at an event, retweeting a link, donating money or attending our “Being Elmo day”, you have all allowed me to grieve the best way I know how, you’ve helped me to keep Zack’s memory alive, helped me to share the beauty that was his light, and helped give back to other families who have sick childen.

Nana paints beautiful flowers for her Zackie
Poppa “carves” a message for his littlest grandson

Our “Dream” Team; Ryan, Sarah, Leigh-Ann and me!

I wanted to capture the reasons why our amazing team offered to help us.  It was almost a year ago that we started working towards this goal.  Early in the beginning, both Sarah and Leigh-Ann reached out to offer their talent- no hesitation.  With the donation of paint from Benjamin Moore and the muscles of some dear friends to paint the background, we have made Zack’s Dream Room a place of beauty for the nurses, doctors, parents and kids at York Central Hospital.  A new friend of mine, Marlene MacPherson (@marlenesmission), even dropped in to treat us to a fabulous healthy and gourmet lunch!  Everyone shared their talents to make this day happen!  The room is a place where I know Zack has been- in fact, he was with us during those two days.  I felt as if he was saying thank you and was really happy with what we had done. 

Marlene MacPherson treated us to an amazing lunch!

It started with discussion about what Zackie loved to do, and these women made it into a work of art honouring him….thank you to Leigh-Ann and Sarah who interpreted exactly what made Zack so special to us. And Ryan for lending his talent to us in order to create this beautiful room. It was a joy to work with the three of you. I’m so honoured to have had your help.

SET YOUR PVR!!!
I was interviewed for CityLine and will appear with Sarah and Leigh-Ann talking about the Transformation of Colour on CityLine, June 4th and unveiling Zack’s Dream Room.

DREAMS DO COME TRUE….

8 Comments on Introducing Zack’s Dream Room….

  1. Dee Brun
    May 16, 2012 at 2:40 pm (12 years ago)

    AMAZING..beyond amazing…WOW is all I can really say…
    I wiull never look at Elmo the same because of you and your amazing son and family..Cheers

    Reply
  2. Jana (@jana0926)
    May 16, 2012 at 2:41 pm (12 years ago)

    Wow! This is just beautiful. I think of Zack and you every time I see an Elmo. ((hugs))

    Reply
  3. Bubbie Bonnie
    May 16, 2012 at 2:43 pm (12 years ago)

    This is so wonderful for you and your family Heather, and for all your friends who were privileged to help create Zack’s Dream Room. And most importantly, it will be a happy, cheery place for children who are sick and the families who are with them. What an accomplishment!

    Reply
  4. rl
    May 16, 2012 at 2:52 pm (12 years ago)

    Glad yours (and your family/Zack’s) dream finally came true. Thank you for sharing and being so strong throughout this. You are truly an inspiration.

    Reply
  5. Natalie @Nat_Rea
    May 16, 2012 at 2:53 pm (12 years ago)

    UNBELIEVABLY AMAZING! Zack is smiling down on you all and this beautiful, fun creation which is sure to bring light and happiness to all the little ones who spend time there.

    Reply
  6. Tricia Mumby
    May 16, 2012 at 5:20 pm (12 years ago)

    I am so proud to know you! amazing. Your family must be bursting with pride and love and warm thoughts of Zack & the kids this will help. I’m amazed. xo

    Reply
  7. Playmobil Zoo
    May 21, 2012 at 11:16 am (12 years ago)

    Just like Zack’s dream It is also my dream to have a fantasy room where all furniture and design have a unique identity.To sleep in a world full of dreams and illusion.

    Reply
  8. Cole
    November 30, 2012 at 9:45 pm (11 years ago)

    UNBELIEVABLY AMAZING! Zack is smiling down on you all and this beautiful, fun creation which is sure to bring light and happiness to all the little ones who spend time there.

    Reply

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