The Junior Man Cave Makeover: I was honored to be asked by Sundays With Liz to do a bedroom makeover for Marcus, an adorable 11 year old boy (ok, don’t tell him I called him adorable, but he is!) who is a huge sports fanatic and a leukemia patient at the Jimmy Fund Clinic of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute here in Boston. The Jimmy Fund Clinic focuses on the needs of pediatric cancer patients and their families. Not only do they provide world-class medical care, they also provide world-class life experiences and emotional support. Through a unique and long-standing collaboration, Jimmy Fund Clinic patients receive inpatient care when needed at nearby Children’s Hospital Boston, the nation’s premier pediatric medical center.
Liz Walker, host of Sundays With Liz, has long been a fixture in the Boston news market. She is a trusted and much loved news woman for her sense of humor and compassionate nature. So, it’s no surprise that her show would wish to put together a room makeover for a kid who has spent more time in a hospital room than he should. Combining the resources of show sponsor Homegoods, a quick turn around decorator (that’s me!) and the folks at the Jimmy Fund who selected Marcus – this makeover over was pulled together in 12 days – from the initial phone call I received asking me to participate to yesterday, when it was all installed.
The segment will air on Sunday, November 18th at 11:00am. The segment will be up for streaming online here later the same day.
Here’s a sneak peak:
I visited with Marcus, his Mom and sister last week. We discussed what he wanted – favorite colors, favorite sports teams (no surprise – The Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics) and needs for his new room. As you can see below – he had a lot crammed into a small space, including an large collection of sports memorabilia from his visits with members of his favorite teams – who are all big supporters of the Jimmy Fund. It was clear to me that he needed organization, a place to hang with friends and a way to celebrate his love for all things sport. In other words – his very own Jr. Man Cave.
The generous folks at Homegoods arranged for me to go wild in their store one morning last week for the Junior Man Cave Makeover. I felt like I was the winner, as I got to fill up shopping cart after shopping cart with stuff and didn’t have to pay! Thanks Homegoods! Below is my lineup of carts – which included sheets, blankets, curtains, two leather ottomans and a fabulous faux fur throw pillow. I also got a tall cabinet to store Marcus’ sneakers and a cheery red bedside table and stainless lamp.
My Jeep was stuffed to the ceiling and we spent yesterday doing the makeover. Thanks to Marcus’ mom for all her work pre-organizing and sorting through all his stuff and to the WBZ team who helped schlepp all the bags, and hang various items – particularly cameraman Bob who has a decided height advantage! And a special thanks to my friend Sharon Fisher of COME to ORDER Professional Organizing Services for providing her much needed extra set of hands and organizing skills.
And here is a sneak peak at the result:
Upon his return – Marcus’ response was “Oh, snap!”. Is that like “cool”? The kids today and their lingo!
Don’t forget to watch on Sunday!
congrats on being asked to do this! yay!
(oh, and I agree: marcus is totally adorable).
the room looks great – looks like a tiny space!
I love the term “Junior Man Cave.”
but here’s a question my mom and i have pondered: on HGTV and such, they always talk about needing a “Man Room.” But what, I ask, is the Woman Room? and don’t tell me it’s the kitchen or the walk-in closet!!!
The room is pretty small, although there is a part I didn’t show here. It’ll be on the tv show.
As for Man Cave, the concept is that he gets one room, the rest of the house is the womans.