06/16/11 There was lots of anticipation in the Cartwright house on 6th Road in Plymouth Wednesday afternoon as Destiny Cartwright and many of her family members waited the 2 p.m. unveiling of her brand new bedroom.
Destiny, the 11 year old daughter of Mike and Mewsette Cartwright is suffering from congestive heart failure caused by rheumatic fever. Destiny’s congestive heart failure qualified her for a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Many children want a trip to Disney or a visit with a sports hero, a movie star or a music superstar. Not Destiny. She wanted her own bedroom on the first floor of their rural home. Destiny has shared a room with her two brothers and walking up the stairs proved to be very difficult at times.
Make-A-Wish wanted to help but their rules do not allow them to do construction. They could decorate and furnish a room for Destiny but some other group or organization needed to build the room. That’s where the Plymouth Kiwanis Club stepped in. Club President Dale Cramer thought it was a good project but had to put it to the club for a final decision. Their response was an overwhelming YES!
Cramer knew they needed some expert help so he solicited local contractor Keith Woods who’s first words were, “where and when?” Woods had the contacts needed for a project that would include a home addition of two bedrooms and a bathroom what would cost $35,000 to $40,000.
With the help of dozens of volunteers and donations of materials the Kiwanis Club felt they would still need to raise about $15,000 for the project. Once news of the project was heard donations in cash and supplies started to pour in.
Construction got under way in early spring with volunteers working weekend to complete the project. Once the construction was completed Make-A-Wish stepped up to do their part. Working with local designers from Marmi’s Dream resulted in a girls room filled with peace signs, funky lights and lots of fun stuff.
A special open house was held for the reveal and many friend, family members, representatives from the Kiwanis Club and more were on hand to celebrate the success of the project.
