Wilmington pediatric cancer survivor gets room makeover

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — “This is like, I’m just in shock. This is perfect for the girls.”

When the Woods returned home Friday evening, the inside of their home looked a little different.

The non-profit Welcome Home Angel made the Woods home more functional and accessible for their young daughter Isla, who is currently in remission from Medulloblastoma.

“Words really cant describe it. It’s just everything we could have imagined for Isla. Especially with me being a nurse, I really struggled with finding ways to help her be more mobile in the house and still being safe,” said Lindsey Woods, Isla’s mom.

Isla and her sister Fisher both got room makeovers. Isla, who just finished 9 months of chemo, had her balance and motor skills effected. The remodeling of the home makes it easier for her to get around.

Ginna Brown was one of the designers of the project and said it’s a great feeling to help the woods family and Isla’s recovery.

“Just seeing how like some of the sensory things that we’ve done, like the bedding and the stickers on the ceilings. Some of the things that will help with her physical therapy and things,” Brown explained.

But it wasn’t just the girls who got the benefits of the make over, so did their mom Lindsey. She had a less than ideal space when working from home.

“I did not expect this, this area behind me. I work from home and this is just so helpful. Prior to that I was working in a small corner in the living room with the kids toys,” Woods laughed,

For Executive Director of Welcome Home Angel Craig Wagner, this remodel was special.

“This one was really special to see the community come together to support the Woods family. They’re well known in terms of their friends and family, who’ve all pitched in in different ways,” Wagner said.

Isla was diagnosed with cancer in October of 2021. After a tumor resection and 9 months of inpatient chemo, she is now in remission.