An inspiration ? that’s how people view 13-year-old Chanae who lives with her adopted parents Jim and Carolann Reed in Springfield Township.
Chanae suffered third degree burns over approximately 85 percent of her head and face as an infant. Despite undergoing yearly reconstructive surgery with her 33rd scheduled for this summer, Chanae remains upbeat, having an impact on everyone she meets.
‘She’s very special. She’s very caring, loving and nurturing. She has brought a lot to our life and other people who have met her because of the kind of personality she has,? said Carolann, who explained only one picture of Chanae prior to her burns exists.
‘She touches many people. She leaves a lasting impression on them,? she added.
In recognition of her determination, Suite Dreams, an organization responsible for creating healing environments for children, teamed up with Schuster Homes, local merchants and tradespeople unveiling a re-done vintage glam room for the teenager.
‘I think it’s pretty cool,? said Chanae, who had no idea what the room was going to look like prior to the June 21 unveiling. ‘I like it. I love it. I like the whole thing,? she said following the room’s unveiling.
Additions to the room included new floors, carpeting, closet, bedding, drapery, a desk and a computer for those homework assignments next fall.
‘It’s beautiful. We’re going to have to redo our whole house to match it,? joked Jim. ‘It’s surprising. I appreciate people donating it.?
‘I’m overwhelmed. It’s awesome. It’s more than what I expected. The decorating is beautiful,? said Carolann.
A dancing theme ? exemplified by a photo frame on the dresser labeled ‘Dancing Diva? ? dominated the room. Dancing is one of Chanae’s favorite activities since she started in various dance forms from the age of three.
‘She’s in a lot of activities. She’s really improved a lot,? said Jim, commenting on Chanae’s social personality despite her severe burns and surgeries.
While Chanae enjoys performing for dance, she asked her picture not be used in this article.
During the renovation, which took about five days, Chanae did not see the room. While the interior designers asked her for ideas in relation to her favorite paint color (blue) and bedding, the rest of the room was a surprise.
‘I think this is really neat how they’re doing this for her,? exclaimed Michael, her 11-year-old brother.
‘I think it’ll help her quite a bit (following surgery). Now it looks like a teenager’s room. She’s more like an adult now,? said Jim.
The renovations marked the first room completed by the Clarkston chapter of Suite Dreams serving North Oakland County, which started last summer with a charity event sponsored by Clarkston resident David V. Johnson of Victor International Corporation.
‘It’s fantastic. I hope I can do it again. All of us feel that way,? said Donnah Milefchik of Personal Touch Interiors, who helped decorate the room.
The selection process began when Chanae was nominated as a candidate by her doctor and then an application was submitted to Suite Dreams.
‘She’s a child recovering from ongoing medical treatment,? explained Leanne Schuster, Director of Marketing and Sales with Schuster Homes. ‘It can’t be very much fun as a kid looking forward to summer break and not being able to enjoy all it has to offer.?
‘What is unique about children like Chanae is they’re kids and have great spirits about them even though they have adversity to overcome. They have such great fire for life and enthusiasm, it’s very exciting to help them.’Chanae is one of five kids the Reeds have adopted, after having five children of their own. They have also housed approximately 161 other kids throughout 33 years of fostering.
‘I love children. I love having kids around. Kids make you feel younger,? said Jim.
So in the room of a young adult, above the desk, wooden letters spell ‘INSPIRE,? something Chanae has and will continue to do ? from now on with a beautiful new room fitting her age and personality.
For more information on Suite Dreams visit www.suitedreamsproject.org.