The Story
Junailiz, lovingly known as GiGi, faced significant challenges from the very beginning of her life. She was born at just 29 weeks in Puerto Rico after her mother fled domestic violence. Soon after birth, GiGi experienced a Type III stroke and developed hydrocephalus, leading to several cranial surgeries and serious infections during her early years. In 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico and caused widespread power outages, putting GiGi’s life at risk because she depended on medical equipment that required electricity. GiGi and her mother were evacuated to a U.S. Navy medical ship and later brought to Atlanta, where Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta became an essential part of her ongoing care.
After arriving in Atlanta, GiGi and her mother eventually settled in the area. Over the next few years, her mother met GiGi’s stepfather and welcomed two more children into their family. Today, GiGi continues to require extensive, around-the-clock care. Her mother lovingly refers to her as her “forever baby” because GiGi is nonverbal and has very limited head and body control. Her mother, who lives with lupus and fibromyalgia, is GiGi’s primary caregiver while also caring for two younger children. With her husband often working long hours away from home, most of the daily caregiving responsibilities fall to her. As GiGi has grown and both she and her mother have faced ongoing health challenges, everyday tasks have become increasingly difficult. Bathing GiGi in the family’s small bathroom was especially challenging and physically demanding.
With generous financial support from Jackson Healthcare, Sunshine on a Ranney Day stepped in to create a wheelchair-accessible bathroom designed specifically for GiGi and her family.
The project required significant creativity because the home is small, the hallways are narrow, and GiGi’s wheelchair could barely make the turn into the existing bathroom. GiGi’s mother shared how overwhelming these daily challenges often felt, saying, "Every time I had to help GiGi into the bathroom, I worried about her safety and whether I could manage." To solve the problem, the SOARD team created a new bathroom entrance directly from GiGi’s bedroom and transformed a small hallway closet into a separate toilet room. This thoughtful change brought tremendous relief and hope to GiGi’s family.
SOARD designer Clareece Cunningham also designed a curved countertop to make it easier for GiGi’s family to move her safely through the limited space. Every inch of the bathroom was carefully planned to create a functional and accessible space within a very small footprint.
Because the new bathroom entrance was created through GiGi’s bedroom, the bedroom flooring also needed to be replaced. Mohawk generously provided the new flooring, while Randall Brothers supplied the doors and framing materials. The team at Lee Hainer completed the construction, and Sherwin-Williams provided paint for both the bedroom and bathroom.
Inside the bathroom, Cambria and Construction Resources provided the beautiful curved countertop for the roll-under vanity. Pulley & Associates supplied the touchless faucet, allowing GiGi’s parents to roll her wheelchair directly up to the sink. Top Knobs provided the cabinet hardware, and Legacy Lighting donated the accent pendant light beside the vanity.
In the shower, Clareece created a custom tile pattern using beautiful blush tile from MSI. Real Floors Commercial installed the tile, and TKO Plumbing completed the plumbing. Pulley & Associates also provided the shower fixtures and grab bars, helping make the space safer and easier for GiGi’s family to use.
One of the most meaningful features of the project is a custom wall cabinet created and donated by Josh Stark of Roswell Firelabs. Josh worked closely with Clareece to design a framed storage solution that provides GiGi’s family with a dedicated place for medical supplies and other daily necessities without taking up valuable floor space.
Through thoughtful design, creative problem-solving, and the support of many generous partners, especially that of Jackson Healthcare, GiGi’s family now has a bathroom that is safer, more accessible, and better suited to their daily needs. Simple tasks that once felt overwhelming—such as bathing GiGi or getting her ready for bed—are now much easier and more comfortable for both GiGi and her mother.
