Nominate a "hero"
Do you have a "Hero" that you would like to nominate? If so, please print and complete the form below and mail it to: PO Box 322, Morris IL, 60450.
| tmad_hero_nomination_form.pdf |
hero #11 - brody roberts - letter from roberts family
Lasting 4 months in the fall of 2017, 9 year old, Brody Roberts suffered from fatigue, daily fevers, vomiting, night sweats, no appetite and severe pain throughout his body. After months of numerous misdiagnoses, Brody was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at Chicago’s Lurie’s Children’s Hospital. While lying in the dark hospital room the night we told him, in a very quiet voice, he asked me if he was going to die…through my silent tears, I reassured him it was very treatable, but as him mom, my heart was breaking & I longed for that same answer. Four days later, he was transferred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Brody lived in Memphis, spending every day at the hospital clinic & his birthday, Christmas, New Years, Easter & many other weeks in the hospital due to his sensitivity & many complications of chemotherapy.
Since our return from Memphis, Brody has continued his chemo treatment in Peoria every week and still travels monthly to Memphis for chemo & other medical procedures that will last until August of 2020. After Brody’s body showed resistance to chemo & tests showed he was born genetically predisposed to leukemia, he was upgraded to a high risk leukemia patient, adding more intensive chemo to his already frail body. While fighting the blood cancer, the necessary evil drugs have caused significant bone, organ damage & heart issues.
This has been a very tough journey for Brody, his 14 year old sister, Sydney & our family. Despite being robbed of his childhood for the past 18 months, Brody’s amazing attitude and determination has inspired many. On days when he feels well, he is determined to make the best of each day & enjoys just being a kid. Despite his fatigue & chemo port in his chest, he is even trying to play a little baseball this Spring. When he feels well, he currently enjoys attending school for a few hours each day with math & PE being his favorite subjects.
Despite the many months of intense sickness, one of the hardest struggles of this journey has been the loss of many young friends we’ve made…when I envisioned being a mom, I never anticipated talking to my son about one of his friends dying every month…despite the struggles, this journey has made him so caring, compassionate & empathetic. As his parents, we couldn’t be more proud of him.
We are very thankful for the support from Team Make a Difference. Their mission has provided light and hope during a very dark time in our lives.
Thank you,
Ryan & Lisa Roberts, Brody’s mom & dad
Since our return from Memphis, Brody has continued his chemo treatment in Peoria every week and still travels monthly to Memphis for chemo & other medical procedures that will last until August of 2020. After Brody’s body showed resistance to chemo & tests showed he was born genetically predisposed to leukemia, he was upgraded to a high risk leukemia patient, adding more intensive chemo to his already frail body. While fighting the blood cancer, the necessary evil drugs have caused significant bone, organ damage & heart issues.
This has been a very tough journey for Brody, his 14 year old sister, Sydney & our family. Despite being robbed of his childhood for the past 18 months, Brody’s amazing attitude and determination has inspired many. On days when he feels well, he is determined to make the best of each day & enjoys just being a kid. Despite his fatigue & chemo port in his chest, he is even trying to play a little baseball this Spring. When he feels well, he currently enjoys attending school for a few hours each day with math & PE being his favorite subjects.
Despite the many months of intense sickness, one of the hardest struggles of this journey has been the loss of many young friends we’ve made…when I envisioned being a mom, I never anticipated talking to my son about one of his friends dying every month…despite the struggles, this journey has made him so caring, compassionate & empathetic. As his parents, we couldn’t be more proud of him.
We are very thankful for the support from Team Make a Difference. Their mission has provided light and hope during a very dark time in our lives.
Thank you,
Ryan & Lisa Roberts, Brody’s mom & dad
hero #10 - Quinn Lisak makeover December 6-9, 2018
We were so excited to help our last Hero, 13 year old QUINN LISAK. He is an amazing young man who has had quite a few hits and just keeps fighting. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia about a year and a half ago. During his treatment, he got a severe infection causing gangrene resulting in many surgeries and paralysis. He has been at Lurie Children's Hospital since May, and has recently gone to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly RIC) where he is continuing to fight hard to get his mobility back. Quinn has a 14 year old sister, Quelyn. He and his sister are being raised by their wonderful grandparents in Frankfort. The makeover was Thursday, December 6-Sunday, December 9th. Stay tuned for before and after pictures!
I am attaching the link to his Facebook page to learn more about what he has been going through.
https://www.facebook.com/Ready-for-the-Fight-Quinning-1641…/
I am attaching the link to his Facebook page to learn more about what he has been going through.
https://www.facebook.com/Ready-for-the-Fight-Quinning-1641…/
hero #9 - Ana and tati makover june 6-10, 2018
Here are the before and after photos from this amazing makeover for this beautiful family
hero #8 - Jacob zickaoose makeover november 16-19,2017
We were so blessed to have been able to help our "hero", 12 year old Jacob Zickafoose from Diamond. At the age of 5, Jacob was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma. After an intense year and a half of treatments, he was in remission. Unfortunately, during his routine scans in 2016, the Doctors discovered the Ewings had returned. He is currently undergoing a two year treatment plan. Jacob is a fighter and an adorable, sweet, smart child we loved to create his comfortable, dream escape room for him! We also redid his old room for his sister, since we gave Jacob her bigger room and helped finish the space over the garage for another living space. The makeover took place November 16-19th, 2017. Stay tuned for the pictures and videos to see the awesome results!
hero #7 - Kim AND BRIANNA BAKER MAKEOVER JULY 6-9, 2017
TMad chose it's 7th hero (actually heroes) Kim and her daughter Brianna Baker. Todd and Kim Baker have an 11 year old daughter Brianna and a 14 year old son, Bryan. Kim was recently diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. The family moved to Joliet into a ranch home prior to her diagnosis because they can no longer carry Brianna upstairs safely. Brianna has a very rare brain disease that leaves her wheelchair bound her entire life.
Todd started a few house projects before Kim's diagnosis and now can not complete. A bathroom has been gutted, the carpet has been torn out of the living room, doorways need to be widened, all wall have holes that need to be repaired and painted.
The makeover took place July 6-9.
Sadly, Kim lost her battle in August, 2017. Our hearts go out to all whose lives were touched by this beautiful angel.
Pictures posted on our facebook page. Search tmadifference
Todd started a few house projects before Kim's diagnosis and now can not complete. A bathroom has been gutted, the carpet has been torn out of the living room, doorways need to be widened, all wall have holes that need to be repaired and painted.
The makeover took place July 6-9.
Sadly, Kim lost her battle in August, 2017. Our hearts go out to all whose lives were touched by this beautiful angel.
Pictures posted on our facebook page. Search tmadifference
hero #6 - Ereen Koscielski Makover December 1-4, 2016
Ereen had been fighting breast cancer for 4 years. For the last 2 years she had been fighting metastatic breast cancer stage IV. She had been divorced and has a grown son and a daughter Emily who attends Joliet West High School as a sophomore. Ereen fought hard and without complaint and always put other's needs before her own. She and her daughter were very active in Pink Heals and while she went through treatments she still picked herself up and continued to help others. Ereen was determined to create a home for her and especially for her daughter. She was able to get a special loan and close on a townhome. We were so excited that we were able to help make this house a home for them and give them some comfort, peace and serenity.
Rest in Peace Ereen! Keep on swimming!
Here are all the pictures from the weekend,
starting with the before and after pictures.........
Rest in Peace Ereen! Keep on swimming!
Here are all the pictures from the weekend,
starting with the before and after pictures.........
Habitat Restore furniture before and after pictures. See the amazing transformations......
Our Hero and family left these incredible notes for us all over the house. We loved them so much!
the Reveal!!............
the fun volunteer pictures!
hero #5 - Bergstrom makeover July 7-10, 2016
The before and after pictures.......
the hard working volunteer pictures......
the fun volunteer photos.....
hero #4 - Bernickus makeover October 16-18, 2015
In the summer of 2014, Ryan Bernickus, a 2011 Morris High School graduate, was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a very rare form of bone cancer that strikes children and adolescents. Ryan played baseball at Morris High School and was an integral part of that team reaching the Regional Championship game his senior year. He loves sports, especially the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Cubs. He recently finished his cancer treatment only to discover the cancer had spread to various areas of his body. He is currently finishing up radiation treatment and will begin a year long chemotherapy treatment plan. Ryan's bedroom was in the basement. His sister generously allowed us to switch her room with Ryan's so he won't have to use the stairs when he is not feeling well. They are an amazing, sweet, private, humble, loving family for whom we were blessed to make a difference in their lives! See the hard work and the incredible results...........
hero #3 - Gibson makeover august 21-23,2015
Our third "Hero" was Sarah Gibson! Sarah's mom wrote to us about Sarah and we are excited to have made a difference for this family! Sarah is 34 years old and was diagnosed with progressive MS when she was 20 years old. She continued college and graduated with honors yet never got the opportunity to use her degree. They have 2 daughters, ages 6 and 11. Her husband is a veteran and works 2 jobs to support the family. Financially it's a struggle and because he works 2 jobs, they do not qualify for assistance. Their home is 900 square feet and was in desperate need of improvements. Sarah rarely gets out and we are excited to help give her a place that will improve her quality of living and her spirits. The family lives in Joliet and the makeover was August 21-23rd.
See the amazing transformation..............................
See the amazing transformation..............................
hero #2 - Nystedt makeover August 22-24,2014
Mitch is the Principal at Sandwich High School and is married to Wendy and they have three children, Haley (16), Molly (14) and Trevor (10). On June 7, 2013, Mitch suffered a stroke while undergoing a surgical procedure for thyroid cancer. As a result of the stroke, Mitch remained hospitalized for over 11 months. An amazing group of people, MITCH MADNESS, have been working hard for months to raise funds to make the home accessible and safe for Mitch. Team Make a Difference is going to finish the bedroom renovation. Mitch returned to his home on May 21, 2014 to a large crowd of excited family and friends!!! We were so excited we helped make a difference for this amazing and wonderful man and his family! Our second "hero" Mitch and the transformation......
Hero #1 - Eberhard Makeover April 25-27,2014
Our very first "hero" Luchiano... After unexplained fevers over a five week period, Luchiano Eberhard was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia B Cell (ALL). He will undergo a three and a half year treatment plan. He is seven years old and is the middle child of five (four boys and one girl). Luchi is a funny, sweet little boy who loves baseball, basketball, karate, animals and people! He and his family have a strong faith in God and are always giving to others and the community. We were so excited to make a difference in their lives by creating an environment in their basement where Luchi can spend time with his brothers and sister as well as have a place to rest comfortably.
Thank you Eberhard family for allowing us to make a difference in your life and for making a difference in ours! We LOVE you guys! Thank you so so much to all the amazing volunteers for helping us make it possible. This could not have happened without all the unbelievable assistance and support we received! So now, the transformation…….
Thank you Eberhard family for allowing us to make a difference in your life and for making a difference in ours! We LOVE you guys! Thank you so so much to all the amazing volunteers for helping us make it possible. This could not have happened without all the unbelievable assistance and support we received! So now, the transformation…….
Read the article printed in the Morris Daily Herald about our first room makeover at the Eberhard Household!
our inspiration started with Marijo Persico...
I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in October 2011. I had several surgeries, chemotherapy, and lots of recovery ahead of me. While I tried to stay strong, I felt the pressure. As a single mother of three teenagers, I began preparing my children for the months ahead. What I had put off for tomorrow had to get done now! Unfortunately, my children and I knew firsthand what was coming. I had lost a sister to the very same cancer only a few years earlier. In the preparation, I did not think of myself. I have the greatest friend anyone could ask for, Audra Crowther. She is my angel on earth and she was thinking of me! She was what was needed for ME and tried working with me to achieve that. I was not cooperative and only wanted to focus on my children. Without my knowledge, she planned a bedroom make-over for me so I had a comfortable room to rest, heal, restore hope and renew my spirit. She was able to plan all this with the help of my children and friends. I was surprised with my new room with only being away for 36 hours. They literally worked day and night. My room was transformed from a catch-all that was in need of paint and decorating, to a warm, tranquil and restful bedroom with lots of pictures of my children and loved ones. Every wall has an inspiring message. Highlighting all of it is a beautiful family picture of my children and I that she took for us. Words cannot describe how I felt. Besides having this beautiful room to enjoy, it also gave me such hope for the future knowing there are people that truly cared about me and my children. I did not feel quite as alone in the challenges that were ahead of me. There were many days that those 4 walls gave me hope of better days ahead. From this experience, my friend and I realized that there are many in need of help and Team Make a Difference was created. I still to this day feel the love that was put into my room. Actions DO speak volumes and even the smallest action can make a difference in someone’s life. It made a huge difference in my life, and I will be forever grateful.
- Marijo Persico
- Marijo Persico