Transforming Spaces, Transforming Lives: Brittany’s Story with Designing Dreams

At Designing Dreams, we believe that a space can have the power to heal. Our mission is simple yet profound: to create uplifting, healing environments for children actively fighting cancer, providing them with a sanctuary where they can feel comforted, empowered, and surrounded by joy, despite the hardships they endure.

Today, we want to share an inspiring story of a brave young girl named Brittany. At just 16 years old, Brittany is fighting Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) with resilience and strength, and she’s found a special refuge through the transformation of her bedroom—a space where she can rest, recover, and dream.

A Journey Through Cancer

Brittany’s journey began on October 7, 2022, when she was diagnosed with AML. The past couple of years have been nothing short of challenging, as Brittany spent months in the hospital undergoing grueling chemotherapy treatments, isolated from her peers and friends. As if the emotional toll of cancer wasn’t enough, Brittany faced the difficult reality of losing her hair, dealing with intense nausea, and missing out on her sophomore and junior years of school.

Despite the pain and exhaustion, Brittany continued to put on a brave face for her doctors and loved ones, even during the toughest moments. She remembers crying to her mom, feeling as though she couldn’t go on, but for her family and her own determination, she powered through. After receiving a bone marrow transplant, with her older sister as the donor, Brittany thought she was turning a corner. But the journey was far from over, as her cancer returned.

Even after the setback, Brittany remained hopeful and optimistic. She embarked on a new treatment plan, one that allowed her to spend more time at home—though the side effects of this treatment led to her stay in the ICU for a few weeks. Now, Brittany is at home, recovering and preparing for her next round of experimental treatment. Though the future is uncertain, she has maintained a positive outlook, describing her experimental treatment as an opportunity to help others down the line if it proves effective.

A Room Designed for Healing

While the fight against cancer is never easy, there are little things that can provide comfort along the way. For Brittany, one of those things was a special bedroom transformation.

Brittany shared a bedroom with her two sisters, and the space was cramped and disorganized, making it harder to find peace amidst the chaos. When Brittany received the chance to design her own healing space, she was thrilled. A new bed, bright colors, storage, and plenty of space for her favorite activities—like doing Legos and enjoying time with her sisters—made her feel like she was in control of something in her life again.

The transformation included new beds and bedding, a desk for her creative endeavors, shelves for organization, and a few fun additions like a cat tree, a mini fridge, bean bag chairs, and jellyfish lanterns. These thoughtful touches have made Brittany’s room a true retreat—a place where she can relax, do her schoolwork, watch TV, and take refuge from the pain of treatments.

“Having my room, designed just for me, gave me something to hold onto when everything else felt uncertain,” Brittany shares. “When I’m at home, I can be surrounded by color and things that make me happy. It keeps me motivated and positive, and that’s really important when you’re going through tough times.”

A Glimmer of Hope and a Bright Future Ahead

Despite the physical and emotional toll that cancer treatment has taken on her, Brittany remains determined to live life to the fullest. She’s now a senior in high school, and she’s holding onto the hope that she’ll be able to attend community college this fall and pursue her dream of becoming a firefighter—helping others just like she has been helped.

Although she still has cancer cells in her body and goes to the hospital monthly for treatment, her strength and perseverance in the face of adversity is truly remarkable. She is an inspiration to all who know her. Brittany’s story reminds us that while the road to recovery can be long, it’s the love and support of family, friends, and organizations like Designing Dreams that can make the journey a little bit easier.

The Power of a Personal Space

Brittany’s transformation is a testament to the power of a personal, healing space. It’s more than just a room—it’s a sanctuary where Brittany can rest and recover, where she can be surrounded by positivity and comfort even when her body feels weary. Every child, especially those battling cancer, deserves a space that brings them peace, joy, and a sense of control, and we at Designing Dreams are honored to provide that.

As Brittany continues her journey, we are cheering her on every step of the way. We’re so grateful to be a part of her story, and we hope her room will continue to be a source of comfort and strength for her as she battles through the challenges of treatment.

If you’d like to support our mission and help transform more rooms for children like Brittany, we encourage you to donate or get involved with Designing Dreams. Together, we can continue to create healing spaces for children facing cancer—spaces that offer hope, peace, and dreams of brighter days ahead.