The Story
Tyrece, 11, and his brother Maddie, 10, have faced daunting odds and now thrive in a loving, supportive home. Tyrece, 11, is Navajo and admired for his lively curiosity, courage, and unyielding determination. Surviving shaken baby syndrome as an infant, he now bravely lives with cerebral palsy, a brain injury, legal blindness, scoliosis, and autism. He lights up when music plays—especially Navajo songs—and communicates with a button device. Racing with Ainsley’s Angels, playing baseball, participating in robotics, and performing in his school musical, Tyrece refuses to let his challenges define him.
Maddie, quiet and resilient, endured severe abuse and neglect, including attempted drowning, leading to complex medical needs. He struggled to trust, but now begins to smile and communicate, finding comfort in music like Bing Crosby and support from family. Along with younger brothers Zane and Quinn and their moms, Vicki and Cyndy, special needs advocates, the family is grounded in care.
When SOARD met the family, their home simply wasn’t meeting the boys’ growing needs. With doorways only 24 inches wide, wheelchair access was extremely limited, making everyday routines, especially bathing, challenging and unsafe. Thanks to the support of Babby Nosworthy and MCN Enterprises, the boys’ bedrooms and shared bathroom were completely reimagined, removing walls and creating a brand-new layout with widened hallways and entrances so their wheelchairs can move freely and safely throughout the space. With the help of designer Hannah Eister through her internship with Chattahoochee Tech, the transformation was both functional and beautiful.
The new bathroom is truly life-changing. It now features a spacious 80” x 60” roll-in shower designed to accommodate both boys and their caregivers, and to accommodate their future growth. MSI generously donated the shower tile, which was expertly installed by Real Floors Commercial, while Pulley & Associates provided all Delta plumbing fixtures to ensure durability and accessibility. A custom changing table was thoughtfully designed with space underneath for a Hoyer lift — a need made apparent during the family's visit to Walk Your Plans Atlanta. Fine Line Environments provided a specialty changing pad for the changing table, and we also created a dedicated area to safely store the lift when not in use. Randall Brothers donated all the wood and framing materials that enabled the structural transformation, while Top Knobs supplied the hardware throughout the space, and Legacy Lighting provided lighting for the bathroom and bedrooms. Echols contributed a pivot mirror, allowing the boys to comfortably see themselves from their wheelchairs. Additional support from Lee Hainer Construction, Power Up Electrical Contractors, Copan Imports, and Bin There Dump That helped bring every detail together seamlessly.
The bedrooms were transformed into deeply personal, functional spaces that truly reflect who Tyrece and Maddie are. Maddie’s room was designed as a peaceful, sensory-friendly retreat—bright, cheerful, and centered around his love for music. The moment he entered, surrounded by familiar sounds like Bing Crosby and the comfort of his Tonies, he visibly relaxed, showing just how powerful a thoughtfully designed space can be. Tyrece’s room celebrates his vibrant personality and Navajo heritage through warm southwestern design elements. Meaningful Native American artwork collected by his family is proudly displayed, creating a space that honors his identity and story. Because his closet had to be removed to create the accessible bathroom, custom cabinetry was added, featuring beautiful hardware from Top Knobs, to ensure he still has functional storage that blends seamlessly into the design. Sherwin-Williams generously provided all paint for both rooms, helping bring warmth, personality, and cohesion to each space, while Legacy Lighting enhanced both function and ambiance.
We thank all our partners, especially those capturing and sharing this journey. Talley Harrell Photography documented family moments, Niki Murphy captured the reveal day, and iFrame Media’s video keeps the story alive to inspire others.
This project goes beyond renovation. It gives Tyrece and Maddie greater independence and safety, helping them grow and explore in a home that meets their needs.
