Making Effie's Wish Come True
We transformed an unfinished basement into a dance studio for an incredible girl whose love of dancing helped her fight cancer. Now, she’s empowering fellow young cancer fighters to keep going.
Meet Effie
Effie Inman was diagnosed with pre B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Lymphoma in March 2019 at the age of 10. Throughout her cancer treatments, she continued to do what she loved, dance! Even when she was not feeling well, she sat on the side and memorized dance routines.
Due to covid, attending practice in large groups was challenging, as she was immune compromised. Her wish was to have a dance studio in her basement where she could practice her dance routines in a safe environment.
We were contacted by Make A Wish to help with this project as Wish Type Experts. This volunteer position helps Wish Granters and staff research wish feasibility, identify vendors, secure donations, and provide logistical support.
The Unfinished Basement
In partnership with our many wonderful vendors, we transformed this unfinished basement into a dance studio oasis! Our process involved meeting with the Inman family, discussing Effie’s wants and needs, and designing a special space for this incredible 13 year old girl. We measured the basement and got to work organizing the team to make this wish happen. We were blown away by the generosity of our design community wanting to help on this wish.
The Design Process
The Missner Group generously donated their expertise, materials, and construction labor to make this wish come true. Special resilient dance flooring was donated by Harlequin Floors to ensure impact safety along with a ballet bar. A privacy divider curtain was donated by Pindler, Urban Environments, and J Taylor Drapery. A full wall of custom mirrors was donated by S&S Glass. Benjamin Moore/ JC Licht donated paint and Lightology provided new studio lighting and pendant lights. We also created a cozy seating nook, perfect to hang out and watch dance routines. The ambiance wouldn't be complete without color changing lights and a Bluetooth speaker.
Revealing the New Dance Studio
This special space created a major impact on Effie and her family. She was elated with her new dance studio and plans to share the space by offering dance lessons to other kids who are immune compromised that need a safe space to practice.
“Previous to this experience, my home looked like what the inside of mine and Effie’s worlds felt like – all of over the place, messy, and not how we would have wanted. After Sarah and Bianka, and this wish journey, we are beginning to rebuild our homes and it feels like a rebuilding of our lives. I don’t think anyone knows how much of an impact this has had on our family.”
“Make A Wish is incredibly lucky to be represented by Sarah and Bianka and the work they did went above and beyond and beyond and beyond…Effie felt excited, cared for, supported, loved, and celebrated throughout the whole process.”
Effie’s Wish Day Celebration
