Leon's Room

In May 2007, 13-year-old Leon was diagnosed with cancer affecting his intestines and kidney. After numerous surgeries, Leon is well on the road to recovery. We first met Leon just before Thanksgiving and were immediately drawn to his positive attitude and sharp wit. He shared a bedroom with younger brother Donnie, but it was clear he needed a bedroom of his own. After meeting with Leon and his family, we agreed upon a very aggressive project to create a new room for Leon.

An army of volunteers invaded Leon's home and in 17 short days we raised the roof and built a second floor bedroom for Leon. The volunteers included Room to Heal board members, local builders, artists, family and friends. As much as the room was a gift to Leon, the privilege of spending time with his family was a greater gift to the volunteers.

Leon's Room reveal was just before Christmas and several days after he returned home from the hospital. Painted in his favorite color, sky blue, his room was fully appointed with new furniture and all the essentials such as an X-box and flat panel TV, a Susan Kerr original adorning the wall, and a Jon Ed Bon Fed caricature of Leon and "Snowflake", Leon's trusty companion. A spectacular room for a very special boy. The room was generously sponsored and funded by the Community Service Fund at BAE Systems in Westover.