Volunteers Build Lofted Bedroom for Brewster Girl Fighting Cancer
A Consigli Construction team transformed a child-sized space in Brewster with custom furniture and lighting for a patient at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital.
By Yuki Melnyk ·
Allison, a child from Brewster currently receiving cancer treatment at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, stepped into a newly renovated bedroom on Monday. The room features a lofted bunk bed, a rollaway desk with twinkling lights, and a bright new light fixture, all designed to fit her specific hobbies and personality.
The renovation was executed by a volunteer team from the Westchester office of Consigli Construction Co. in partnership with Circle of Care for families of children with cancer. The project utilized the organization's Art From the Heart program, which creates personalized spaces for young patients. The goal was to provide a safe area for Allison to play, relax, and interact with her stuffed animals and dress-up items.
Jessica Prichard, who led the volunteer effort at Consigli Construction, described the design process as a puzzle. "The challenge was figuring out how to fit everything into a child-sized room while still giving Allison a place to call her own and play," Prichard said. The team incorporated pink and flowery details along with sparkles to reflect Allison's lively personality and high energy.
Allison’s family wanted a space that felt distinctly hers. The new room includes coordinating furniture that organizes her favorite things. During the reveal, Allison held her parents' hands as she entered the room. She immediately began exploring the space and started jumping on the new bunk bed.
Adriana Gambino Cain of Consigli Construction observed Allison's reaction. "Once she saw the extent of everything in the room, she was so excited," Gambino Cain said. Allison's parents described the makeover as a dream come true, noting it exceeded their expectations.
Circle of Care, a nonprofit active since 2003, has supported more than 4,100 families through financial assistance and room makeovers. The organization works directly with pediatric oncology teams at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital to offer practical and emotional support. Tammi Small, the Programs Director at Circle of Care, provided guidance for this specific project.
The project was completed by a team that included Mike Henrici, Claudia Castro, Kate Albano, Lizzie Allan, Bill Allan, Kevin Dingee, and John Curran. Gambino Cain noted that the experience highlighted how children continue to grow and pursue their interests even during difficult medical treatments.
