THOMASTON, Conn. — For children facing cancer, home should be a place where they can simply be kids.
Thanks to Circle of Care's Art From the Heart program and a dedicated team of volunteers led by longtime volunteer Amy Gonch, that became a reality for Thomaston resident Arcenia Klein, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Designed around Arcenia's love of princesses, castles, and unicorns, the room was transformed into a magical retreat that reflected her imagination while creating a comforting place to escape the realities of treatment.
"I'm not a doctor - I can't cure cancer. But I can gather an incredible team together to create a personalized, private oasis for a child to come home to at the end of a long day of treatments," said Amy Gonch, who has led Art From the Heart makeover teams for more than 15 years. For many families, that space also becomes a place to celebrate milestones in their journey.
The impact was immediate as Arcenia explored her new room; her excitement filled the house with joyful squeals, while her two-year-old sister quickly claimed her own new toddler bed in the shared bedroom.
Like many children who receive an Art From the Heart makeover, Arcenia immediately decided she wanted to sleep in her own room again instead of her parents' room—an important step toward restoring a sense of normalcy for everyone. "We can't thank Circle of Care enough for Arcenia's room makeover. She is over the moon happy. These days help her so much to get through her treatment," said Arcenia's mom.
Arcenia's dad looked around the room in amazement, commenting that he couldn't believe it was the same room in the same house.
For Gonch, moments like these are why she and her volunteers continue to return year after year.
"It never gets old," she said. "I have been truly impressed with the resilience these children have despite facing a life-threatening illness."
"My incredible team has been stepping up to volunteer twice a year for 15 years now. Many of them drive a long distance and put in a full day (or two!) of hard work because participating in this worthwhile cause is a priority for them."
The makeover was completed by volunteers Amy and Billy Gonch, Bill Gonch, Sr., Megan Korson, Al and Christine Mancusi, Gabriella Kaplan, Michele Sachetti, Lynn and Logan Leone, Oliver North, and Joel Berkowitz, with generous support from Totally Home & Totally Kids Furniture and Maxwood Furniture.
Circle of Care's Art From the Heart program creates personalized dream rooms that bring comfort, joy, and a renewed sense of control to children and teens facing pediatric cancer. Since the program began, more than 190 room makeovers have been completed throughout Connecticut and neighboring communities.
To learn more about Circle of Care and its programs for families of children with cancer, visit thecircleofcare.org.
