Zeke's Room

Zeke is 8 years old and has a Congenital Heart Defect - Hyperplastic Left Heart Syndrome. CHDs are the most common birth defects, affecting approximately 1 in every 100 babies born. CHDs are structural problems with the heart that are present at birth. These defects can range in severity from mild to life-threatening and can affect the heart’s chambers, valves, or blood vessels.

Hyperplastic Left Heart Syndrome is a severe congenital heart defect where the left side of the heart, including the left ventricle, mitral valve, and aorta, is underdeveloped. This prevents the left side of the heart from properly pumping blood to the body. Zeke had 3 open heart surgeries by the age of 5. His surgeries were successful, but Zeke still struggles emotionally with all that he’s gone through.

The project team leading Zeke’s room transformation wanted to give him a space where he can become more independent and confident. Zeke loves comic books, so that naturally became the theme of the space as many comic book characters also had to overcome challenges in life! Zeke got new flooring and paint, a 3D wall mural that lights up, a desk where he can create art or do homework, tumbling mats to work on his physical therapy at home, a punching game to give him an outlet for his big emotions, and more!

Special thank you to Ahwaga Paint & Floor Covering for the donation of materials and labor to install a new floor for Zeke! "Great job!!" to Amanda Patch for leading her first room project!