2009 WINNERS- THE WAMPLER-PATRICK FAMILY
Joe Wampler and Angela Patrick were the first family honored by Designing Dreams. In the Fall of 2009 they received a complete room makeover designed and managed by AHT Interiors. Valued at $20,000, the room makeover was the first to be granted by the interior design firm’s charitable foundation, Designing Dreams.
The company’s staff created the foundation in 2009 as a way to help those facing physical or emotional hardship. Todd said in a statement that the staff at AHT Interiors felt “it was time for us to begin giving our time and talent back to the community.”
“With tough economic times hitting and everyone cutting back, we recognized that we had the ability to make a positive impact in the community by giving back and making a difference in the life of one individual at a time,” she said.
Before the makeover
After the makeover
Cumming Elementary School pre-kindergarten teacher Carolyn Tolland, who last year taught Wampler and Patrick’s 5-year-old daughter, Olivia, nominated the family. “When their daughter was born premature, Joe and Angela weathered the storm and learned how to care for their daughter the only way they knew how-with strength, determination, love and humor,” Tolland wrote.
Olivia had already undergone multiple surgeries as a result of being born at 24 weeks weighing 1 pound 11 ounces. But in 2008 the family suffered a setback when she was diagnosed with medullabalsoma, a type of brain cancer. She was undergoing treatment for the cancer during the time Designing Dreams worked with the family. As the pictures depict, the makeover transformed the Wampler-Patrick living space, lifting their spirits through great design which was completed in time for Thanksgiving. The makeover of the family’s family room/kitchen area, included paint, floor coverings, lighting, upholstered furniture, case goods, window treatments and accessories. The emphasis was on lightening up the area, making it easier to care for and much more comfortable. “We wanted to brighten their main living space and make it low maintenance. We chose fabrics, flooring and surfaces for durability so they can enjoy spending time there. It’s all easy to clean-that’s really important for anyone undergoing cancer treatment. This way they can focus on taking care of themselves and Olivia and really relax in the space,” said Allison Havill Todd, who personally managed the design and installation.
The family was particularly excited by the hardwood floors which a Designing Dreams sponsor supplied and installed. The Wampler-Patricks had been restoring their 132 year old home when Olivia’s diagnosis occurred. Having Designing Dreams come in and re-do their main living area really was a dream come true. It converted their home into a place for playing, loving and healing, just as Allison Havill Todd set out to do!