Derek's Room

Three-year-old Derek was born with Trisomy 18, a genetic condition that presents him with many challenges. He has a tracheotomy and is fed through a gastrointestinal tube. His daily care requires the use of several machines and medical equipment that took up a lot of space in the small bedroom he shared with his younger brother.
To give him the space he needed, his parents gave up their master bedroom and moved to a room in the finished basement. But their master bedroom needed renovation to fit Derek’s needs: updated electrical to accommodate the medical equipment, better heating & cooling, and a laminated floor to replace the carpet, so Derek can more easily move about in his wheeled equipment.
Derek’s mother suggested a fish and the ocean theme for the new room. Walls were painted a soothing blue, and port-hole style “fish” bowls were mounted on the wall. A colorful blue fish-themed comforter set was accented with bright fish pillows and toys. A large cubby storage system with blue and coral colored bins give much-needed storage space for Derek’s medical supplies. A new loveseat, dark blue rug and storage ottoman provides a space for Derek’s caregivers to rest and read to him.
One corner of the room is a play area, outfitted with blue rubber floor matting, magnetic wall tiles and a grab bar to help Derek pull himself up and build upper body strength.
Topping off the soothing atmosphere are two projectors that provide multi-colored ocean-look “waves” on the walls and ceiling, along with the sounds of the ocean and other soft nature tones.
The new room will surely make life much easier for Derek and his caregivers, and gives Derek a colorful, spacious and happy place to play and grow!