Commercial Leadership Team Partners with Special Spaces to Bless a Family

The Commercial Leadership group and their families partnered with Special Spaces to create a difference in one special family’s life.

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.

The goal of this incredible organization is to provide these children with a special space where they can not only sleep, but also play, heal and spend time away from the challenges of their illness. A custom bedroom is designed just for them. Whether they are dreaming of a princess castle, a butterfly bedroom, a pirate ship or a sports theme, they transform the child’s existing bedroom into a place that only he/she can imagine. A place for them just to be a kid!

Ari Goldsmith, KeHE Vice President of Marketing & Digital Media, said she was attracted to Special Spaces by a fellow board member of the ARK Chicago. He raved about the impact he was able to make in the child’s life and how it impacted him. “That’s the impact I was seeking. Simultaneously, the commercial leadership team was looking for an opportunity to serve together locally. All the pieces fit together. We were able to support the child that is currently in remission from cancer- and his siblings too. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family is affected. We were supported by KeHE Cares funding. We painted their rooms, installed new blinds, made their beds with new sheets, pillows and blankets and installed a décor package according to their preference of design. We were supported with a designer and carpenter to ensure success,” said Goldsmith.