Hi Friends! My life was changed yesterday when I met the Lewis family. Back in November I hosted a giveaway with Gaelle for a dream room makeover. Many of my followers and friends nominated the Lewis family. After hearing their story, I knew this was a perfect fit.
You see, Brittney and her husband Ralph have FIVE boys, and are pregnant with their SIXTH baby, A GIRL! Back in August, right after Brittney found out she was pregnant, she also found out her littlest son Johnny, 2 years old, had cancer. Leukemia.
From Brittney:
“Johnny became suddenly ill with a fever. We called his doctor and because of Covid, we took him to the hospital for a test, and just as a precaution since he seemed to be so lethargic, asked for blood work as well. I felt that he may need IV fluids. That blood work revealed a problem bigger than we could have ever imagined. We were transported to Yale, and after a blood transfusion and bone marrow biopsy we were given the official diagnosis: Johnny has B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Covid precautions only allowed for one parent to be in the hospital, and right before they got results back, Ralph and I had switched places. That afternoon Ralph called me to tell me over the phone that our baby, that had just turned 2 only 10 days earlier, had cancer. I was 8 weeks pregnant with our 6th child, and our world was was shattered, our future so unclear. Johnny began treatment right away, and his treatment will last over 2 years. His diagnosis combined with genetic factors give him a really great prognosis, and he will finish his first, most intense 8 months of treatment right around the time he becomes a big brother! He will have so much to offer a baby sister about strength and grace. And if all goes as planned, he will ring the bell in October of 2022.”
The Lewis family’s world has turned upside down. With Johnny’s immunity at stake, the family has had to take extreme precautions. All five boys are home doing remote learning, and Brittney and Ralph are trading on and off taking Johnny to Yale for his treatments. Because Brittney is pregnant, it is even more difficult as the exposure to the chemo can be dangerous for the baby. There are times when Brittney can’t even change Johnny’s diaper because the chemo could be present in his diaper. When I arrived to take measurements of the nursery yesterday, it was the first time Brittney had seen her mom in over 4 months. Her mom had quarantined to take care of Johnny while I was there. The logistics of this past year have been a nightmare for this sweet family.
Here’s the thing, you would NEVER know when speaking to Brittney and Ralph. These people are so happy, so positive, friendly and welcoming. They are people I like to call, “salt of the earth”, just all around GOOD people. You know when you meet someone and you just know right away they have a heart of gold? I saw that at the first hello.
SO, my friends, we’re going to make this the MOST beautiful nursery for baby girl!! I took the lead with the design board, and Gaelle and I agree it is perfect for this space! It is such an honor to be working on this nursery for them, and we are so thankful for the opportunity to be a small part of this family’s journey. We hope that this nursery becomes a space that brings the Lewis family so much JOY.
Before going into the design – if you have it in your heart of hearts, please consider donating to the gofundme set up for their family. Ralph has been able to continue his work in real estate (if you’re looking for an agent to work with, he’s wonderful – here is his website), but there are tons of medical expenses and other financial considerations involved.
All of the elements are on their way, and we hope to install in the next two weeks!
Sara Fitz donated the beautiful Star Pink Wallpaper which we’re doing on the ceiling! The Dahlia Flushmount will look so pretty and cast a beautiful light against the wallpaper. Brittney had this crib which we’ll be repurposing for baby girl. This watercolor art will hang over the crib. I love these penants from Imani Collective and thought the “You are my Sunshine” wall hanging would be so cute! This rattan lamp will sit on the dresser/changing table that Brittney already had as well. This pretty Serena and Lily rattan mirror will go behind the dresser. William has this rug and I can attest to how amazing it is so I thought it would be perfect in this room as well! This is the best rocking chair for nurseries, it was out of stock when we had William so I’m happy it’s back! This woven accent table will sit next to it. For the crib we’re using these dot woven sheets.
Thank you for following along on this journey! xo, Liz