- Home
- Inspiration
- Lay it Forward
- Lay It Forward: A Dream Theater for James Keating
Lay It Forward: A Dream Theater for James Keating
Movies have always been special to five-year-old James Keating. James has been living with a blood disorder that frequently confines him to long hospital stays. In the course of multiple transfusions and visits to his team of specialists, James spends lots of time in a bed or a chair as boredom and fatigue set in.
He’s found distraction and comfort in film. The chance to choose a DVD had become a treasured ritual during his stays (his favorite movie is Toy Story), and he asked his parents if they might be able to have a movie-watching room in their home, one he could enjoy with them and his older brother, Teddy. Upon learning of his desire, Make-A-Wish Connecticut set out to make James’ dream theater a reality.
His family’s basement has now been remodeled into a movie-lover’s paradise. His new theater is flanked by superhero posters and both boys’ names in lights. The room has a new couch, mini fridge, table and chairs, Karaoke machine, and soft Yogibo bean bag furniture. Family and friends donated several more furnishings, including a stand-alone popcorn machine, X-box, movies and storage units.
“It is so meaningful to see James’ wish come true and we are honored to be a part of it,” said Pam Keough, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Connecticut. “He’s a truly special boy who loves to watch movies and wished for a comfy spot to enjoy movies with his family. This new home theater will be a wonderful way to bring James some joy and hope as he continues to battle his illness.”
Make-A-Wish began coordinating the basement-turned-movie-theater renovation in June 2020, and connected with LL Flooring to donate the flooring through the company’s Lay It Forward program, which provides flooring donations to families and organizations in need.
“We are so inspired by James and his story, and we are proud to partner with Make-A-Wish Connecticut to be a part of making his wish come true,” said Charles Tyson, President and CEO of LL Flooring.
LL Flooring donated material and installation of Edgewater Oak luxury vinyl plank waterproof flooring for the 475 square-foot theater. The flooring is a dreamy blend of whitewashed creams and greys with subtle streaks of blue. It’s a fine foundation to play off the splashes of dramatic dark red—in this case, a soft rug and heavy curtains—that create the signature look of a classic theater.
Edgewater Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Tranquility Ultra - 5mm Edgewater Oak Click Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring