Tears flowed, hugs were exchanged, rooms were transformed and two special lives were made a little better.
Attending the Nov. 18 unveiling of 12-year-old Addison resident Hunter Strunk’s brand new bedroom and other home improvements was like being part of an episode of ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.?
Just like on the hit ABC television show, a large vehicle blocked the front of Hunter’s W. Leonard Rd. home until it was time for the big, emotional reveal.
‘I’m overwhelmed,? said Hunter’s mother, Pam Strunk. ‘I don’t know what else to say. I’m just so overwhelmed.?
For weeks, Hunter’s House ? as the project was known ? underwent renovations courtesy of the Rochester-based Suite Dreams Project, whose mission is to bring comfort and joy to children affected by serious medical conditions by creating healing environments in their homes, usually in their bedrooms.
When he was just 3 months old, Hunter was diagnosed with lissencephaly, a rare brain formation disorder that’s left him confined to a wheelchair, prone to seizures, extremely limited in his ability to communicate and totally dependent on Pam to care for his most basic personal needs 24-7.
It was Suite Dreams that put Bloomfield Hills designer Leslie Ann Pilling and Anita Ruiz, managing director for Pure Marketing, in touch with the Strunks to turn their ordinary house into a dream home.
‘My commitment was to make a difference in the life of a child,? Ruiz said. ‘It was extremely gratifying.?
‘It wasn’t just any child. He has so many interests and a huge personality,? Pilling said. ‘He gave us more than we gave him by a long shot.?
Hunter’s mother couldn’t be more pleased with the results of what was truly a collaborative effort that mixed the generous donations and tireless efforts of family, friends and even complete strangers.
‘Now, when I’m at home, I won’t feel like a prisoner behind bars,? Pam said. ‘Everywhere I looked was clutter or things I couldn’t do because I’m so busy taking care of Hunter.?
‘I’m so glad we could accomplish what we did,? Pilling said. ‘I think it’s beautiful, it’s simple, it’s basic, and it looks lovely. I think it’s a huge improvement visually and functionally.?
Redoing Hunter’s bedroom was the main focus of the project. The goal was to give him a room that would stimulate his senses, yet provide a relaxing environment when he needed it.
‘All the visual elements Hunter loves are all within his space,? Pilling said. ‘But we also took consideration not to overstimulate him.?
A fresh coat of paint applied in various patterns now fills the room with rich colors (particularly red, his favorite) and gives it new dimension. Walking in, you immediately see how much Hunter loves the Detroit Red Wings and NASCAR as all of his mementoes, memorabilia and collectibles (plus some new ones) are prominently displayed.
‘He’s got everything in there that he likes,? Pam said.
Plenty of space to discreetly store the things Hunter needs, such as medical supplies, was incorporated into the new room design. ‘His room won’t look like a hospital. It will look like a little boy’s room. That’s what it should be,? Pam said.
New laminate flooring was laid in Hunter’s room to help keep it cleaner (which is better for his health) and easier to maintain.
Most importantly, Hunter’s new bedroom will be able to suit his needs and tastes both now and well into the future.
‘It doesn’t just say 12-year-old,? Pilling explained. ‘It’s funky. It’s cool. This could easily be an 18-year-old’s room.?
Pam’s bedroom also got a few upgrades in the form of a new paint job with a ‘calming? color, a new window treatment to provide ‘a little more privacy? and some new carpeting and bedding.
‘Obviously, she’s under extreme stress a lot of the time,? Pilling said. ‘We wanted to give her a serene environment to escape to.?
When she’s not caring for Hunter, Pam works part-time as a paraprofessional for special needs kids at Daniel Axford Elementary in Oxford Village.
But the team didn’t just stop at Hunter and Pam’s rooms. The entire house was painted and new carpeting installed.
The bathroom was almost doubled in size to make it handicap-accessible, new floor tile was laid and a new vanity, sink, toilet and lighting were installed.
A laundry room was also added to the bathroom for Pam’s convenience, however, a new washer and dryer are still needed, according to Pilling.
Donations for the laundry machines are being sought as well as money for new kitchen cabinets (and hardware for them), countertops and flooring.
Pilling and Ruiz were quick to note that none of what was accomplished in Hunter’s House could have been done without all the donations of money, materials and labor. ‘The generosity was just overwhelming,? Ruiz said.
Of all the people who worked on the project, it was Hunter’s grandfather, Oxford resident Don Lucarelli, who was singled out for putting in countless hours on a daily basis doing demolition and prep work.
‘Out of everybody, I think he did the most work,? said Darrin Newbery, owner of the Davison-based Newbery Home Services. ‘We could never have done all this without his work.?
Those still wishing to make donations to Strunks? home can make their checks payable to Suite Dreams/Hunter’s House and mail them to P.O. Box 34, Leonard, MI 48367.
Pam’s also selling bracelets for $3 each which read ‘Hunter’s Hero? on one side and ‘I Can Only Imagine? on the other.
‘I Can Only Imagine? is Hunter’s favorite song from the Christian band MercyMe.
‘Every time he hears it, he just lights up,? Pam said.