On June 30, 2012, the Salt Lake Community College Interior Design Club revealed to Tim Ellis and his family the finished design project that the design team had done in response to Ellis’ medical condition.
Ellis was diagnosed in January with stage four testicular cancer. He was released from the hospital before the interior design team finished the room makeover, but designers kept working while the family lived in other parts of the house.
“It was amazing to be a part of the project. It’s the first time I’ve seen Tim smile in so long. I know this did a lot to buoy his spirits,” says Beth Smith, president of the Interior Design Club and close friend of the family. “We were thrilled to see how many of the Salt Lake area businesses were so happy to donate to Tim. Everyone was so nice, and even those that didn’t give really wanted to. I was overwhelmed with the generosity.”
A local television station KSL 5 aired the event July 1st. The family was very pleased with the new space and Ellis was delighted with his new bedroom.
“I am happy to bring any attention at all to the early detection and subsequent cure of the type of cancer my son had,” says Tracy Grist, Ellis’ mother. “If that attention happens to be because some generous hearts gave my living room and my son’s room an amazing makeover, then it is a blessing.”
Ellis is now five weeks past having had his surgery and a month past having been declared cancer free. According Grist, Ellis is getting stronger and in the process of healing.
The Interior Design Club would like to thank local businesses who donated items to help with the home makeover including Sterling Furniture, Sherwin Williams in Sandy, The Home Depot, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Serta Mattress and Bed, Bath and Beyond.
