First Eagle Bank unveils new bedroom for Bartlett boy with cancer
First Eagle Bank delivered a new dream bedroom to Harry, a 13-year-old Bartlett teen battling cancer. Harry was diagnosed with leukemia in February 2021 and has spent much time in and out of the hospital.
The Hanover Park based bank partnered with Illinois based charity Special Spaces Chicagoland to create Harry's dream bedroom in a single day.
Harry's bedroom was designed uniquely for him as a gamer's paradise. A galaxy wall was painted by local artisan Ken Markiewicz from Crayon's Gone Wild and more than 10 volunteers across several businesses pitched in to paint, build and organize the boy's new domain. The room also included a new PlayStation 5, to be delivered this week.
"Children battling cancer spend endless hours in their room, it was an honor to be involved in sponsoring and creating a safe space for Harry during such a challenging time," said Gene Khalimsky, Vice President at First Eagle Bank. Khalimsky is well aware of the impact of childhood cancer as his daughter also spent years battling leukemia and received a room makeover from Special Spaces while in treatment in 2013 - she is now a healthy 14-year-old. "First Eagle Bank is proud to contribute to the community and give back to such a great cause," he said.
"After months of behind the scenes planning, the volunteers from Special Spaces and First Eagle Bank came together in one single day to change the life of a child, one room at a time.
Children and their families feel supported; cared for, and with their new dream room, they are left with a tangible space the whole family can rally around to bring peace and hope," says Kelly Knox, Illinois State Director, Special Spaces.
First Eagle Bank, which has always taken an active role in the local community, is very proud of its outstanding Community Reinvestment Act rating and Community Development Financial Institution certification. It is committed to providing credit, capital, and financial services to underserved communities and its staff is personally committed and involved with nonprofits such as Special Spaces Chicagoland to assist people in any way possible. First Eagle Bank is looking to make a difference in people's lives - its customers, its community and each other.
Special Spaces is a nationwide 501(c)3 that creates dream bedrooms for children with cancer. They have created over 1,200 rooms across the country and 200 of those have been in the Chicago area, in partnership with sponsors and volunteers from local and national businesses, community organizations, schools, families and neighborhoods. "Together, they change children's lives! One child. One room. One day at a time." For more information please visit www.specialspaces.org.