Children fighting life-threatening illnesses surprised with dream playhouses
SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WJAR) — A big surprise awaited some awesome children Wednesday morning at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island.
Project Playhouse coordinator and Bryant freshman Cassandra Hierl said children with life-threatening conditions were surprised with their own tiny homes.
"This is the big reveal day. We've been working since September, coordinating with schools and families of sick children in order to get them their dream playhouses," said Hierl.
Hierl said Project Playhouse is a nonprofit organization that works with local vocational high schools to build dream playhouses for children with life-threatening illnesses, found through Rosemary' Wish Kids.
Students built five dream playhouses for five children, all fighting life-threatening illnesses.
As they continue the fight, they have a little something to smile about, including 3-year-old Sophia.
Sophia's mother Hope Ashley said they built a castle for her daughter.
"So, she comes off very shy. At first, she was kind of skeptical but then once she went inside and everything, she was like and now I can't even get her out," said Ashley.
The three-year-old princess is battling a brain cancer that returned. She has undergone five cycles of chemotherapy, a stem transplant, and 30 days of radiation.
Ashley said her most recent MRIs have been stable.
"She's in a good spot. She starts preschool soon which I'm nervous about, but she gets to be a kid again and that's what I want for her," said Ashley.
The homes were based off each child's interest, with their name painted or carved into their home.
Raelyn Augusto, 6, showed NBC 10 News her country store.
"Well, I like that it has little windows that you can open, and I can sell with them and I also like that there's bubbles in here cause that makes it fun more to sell," said Raelyn.
Raelyn's mother Thelma said the 6-year-old entrepreneur was diagnosed with leukemia at 5-years-old, still recovering from a bone marrow transplant.
"We're endlessly grateful for the generosity and the time that these kids put into this, and I think it really shows they're very proud of it and they really love seeing her excited about it," said Thelma.
Each playhouse will be delivered to the children's homes to enjoy.
Hierl said Warwick Area Career and Technical Center, Chariho Career and Tech Center, Newport Area Career and Technical Center, and Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School participated in building these creative playhouses.