WHAT WE DO

Special Spaces is a not-for-profit 501(C)(3) organization creating dream bedrooms for children with cancer.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it can change their world. The activities that they used to enjoy may look and feel different. They may not be able to do the things they really love. They don’t play soccer, ride bikes, go to prom or attend school. Children with cancer spend a lot of time away from others; time in the hospital, visiting different doctors, receiving painful treatments, feeling tired and nauseous, and often times being isolated.

Our goal is to provide these children with a special space where they can not only sleep, relax, and recover, but also play and enjoy just being a kid. A custom bedroom designed just for them. Whether they are dreaming of a princess castle, a butterfly bedroom, a pirate ship or a sports theme, we transform the child’s existing bedroom into a place that only he/she can imagine. A place for them just to be a kid!

This effort is done with teams of dedicated volunteers, sponsors, community partners and donated goods and/or services. The Special Spaces team meets with the family, designs the bedroom and provides all of the needed supplies. Bedrooms may include new paint, furniture, rugs, window treatments, closet organization, medical storage, light fixtures, bedding, painted murals and custom décor. With a “hands on” team, we create a very special bedroom.

Founded in 2004 in Knoxville, TN, with just one makeover, we have grown into a national volunteer organization. We currently have 10 chapters in 9 states. We have created over 1700 dream bedroom makeovers for our very special children. We measure our success not only in quantity, but in the quality of the experience. We are proud to be a high touch, high impact organization that changes the lives of children in our communities.

We do this…. One Child. One Room. One Day….at a time.

QUESTIONS

How can I tell if my child qualifies?

Special Spaces considers dependent children ages 2-19 within one year of active cancer treatment who live within our designated areas.  View our Chapter Map to determine if you live in an area we serve.

How do I apply for my child?

If you believe that your child qualifies for a dream bedroom makeover, please click here.

What if we live in an area where you do not have a Chapter?

Unfortunately, as much as we would love to help all children with cancer, we are not able to provide services in areas where we do not have a team.

Do you help children with other life threatening illnesses?

The sole mission of Special Spaces is to create dream bedroom makeovers for children with cancer. 

Do you provide the same things in each makeover?

Each dream bedroom is custom designed for the child.  Our teams are lead by Special Spaces Directors who create an individual plan for each makeover.

How much does a bedroom makeover cost the family?

Dream bedroom makeovers are completed at NO cost to the family.

Can you help me with other things besides a bedroom for my child?

The sole mission of Special Spaces is to create dream bedroom makeovers for children with cancer. 

What is the average cost of a makeover?

The average cost of a Special Spaces dream bedroom makeover is between $6,000-8,000 including cash and in-kind donations.

Can I drop off my “slightly used furniture”?

Our hope is to provide “our children” with new furniture, bedding and décor.  We do not accept used donated items.

How do you get your funds for bedroom makeovers?

Funds for dream bedroom makeovers are provided by both corporate and individual sponsors, chapter fundraising events, national social media campaigns and personal donations.

How much does it cost to sponsor a bedroom makeover?

Please click here to learn more about becoming a Bedroom Makeover Sponsor.

Do you offer National Sponsorship opportunities for my company?

Please click here to learn more about becoming a National Special Spaces Sponsor. 

How can I sign-up to volunteer?

Please click here for more information about how to volunteer.

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