As of 2024, Special Spaces Knoxville is celebrating its 20th anniversary of creating bedrooms for children who have been diagnosed with cancer. According to its website, the organization has redecorated about 1,650 children’s bedrooms to help them get through their challenging time since 2004.
Special Spaces Knoxville believes that every person needs a living space that is comfortable for them, especially children who are limited to other activities. A child’s bedroom is special to them and helps to shape their childhood. It is important for all children to have happy childhood memories, and having a nice bedroom that fits their personality does wonders for this.
This nonprofit organization has been gifted countless donations and recruited volunteers that have helped tremendously. One chapter that has partnered with Special Spaces and hopes to continue to raise donations for them is the Delta Phi Lambda sorority at the University of Tennessee. This sorority helps support them because this is part of their philanthropy.
Lydia Runions is a sophomore studying forensic anthropology. She joined the sorority in the fall of 2022 and is now the local philanthropy chair.
“I am amazed by the strength that these children show as they go through chemotherapy, and it is rewarding to be able to raise money toward their dream rooms,” Runions said. “Seeing how happy these rooms make them is undoubtedly my favorite thing about Special Spaces.”
Clarissa Trent is a senior who joined the sorority in the fall of 2021 and is studying anthropology. Many members of this sorority connect on a deeper level with their philanthropy. Trent spoke about how the sorority is grateful for the transition to Special Spaces and why members have a strong association with the sorority.
“After extensive research, we discovered Special Spaces and felt a connection to their mission,” Trent said. “Many in our chapter have younger siblings or family members who have experienced cancer.”
The president of Delta Phi Lambda, Angel Miñoza, is a senior majoring in marketing. She spoke about what their philanthropy means to her.
“My favorite thing about my sorority’s local philanthropy is the impact it has on kids and their families,” Miñoza said.
The sorority is new to partnering with Special Spaces Knoxville. Although they have not had many events yet, they are already planning to raise donations. Runions spoke on one of the future events that they are hosting.
“We will be tabling in front of the Student Union on April 30 from 1-3 p.m. and hope to raise at least $100,” Runions said.
Before they were able to table an event like this, they helped Special Spaces with some smaller projects because redoing a child’s room can be expensive. As the local philanthropy chair, Runions reached out to the organization to see what they could help with. Last semester, they were able to raise enough money to pay for the lights in one of the children’s rooms.
“Ultimately, we want to help build an entire room, which is something that we aim to do in the upcoming year,” said Runions.
Another aspect of this organization when making a new bedroom is that it does not cost anything for the family if the child fulfills the requirements. Some of the simple requirements needed are that the person is between the ages of 2 and 19 and is within their first year of treatment. The family also needs to live where Special Spaces serve. More information can be found on their website at specialspaces.org.
