The Story
Leland’s story demonstrates strength and resilience. Diagnosed with myelomeningocele before birth, he underwent fetal surgery at 24 weeks and spent 72 days in the NICU. Since then, he has met every challenge with inspiring courage. Today, thanks to his perseverance, Leland can walk with braces and even play golf, using his wheelchair only for longer walks. Still, everyday routines remain physically demanding for both Leland and his family. Because he cannot wear his braces in the shower, Leland had to sit on the floor to bathe, a routine that was unsafe, difficult, and far from the independence he deserves.
Thanks to the generous financial support of the Myfifident Foundation and the incredible contributions of our in-kind sponsors, we were able to bring Leland’s accessible bathroom to life. Leland can now bathe safely and independently for the first time and is proud to have a space that makes everyday routines easier for both him and his family. His mother shared that she feels a huge sense of relief knowing that he can move around the new bathroom with confidence. This transformation would not have been possible without the kindness and generosity of our community.
The first step was reconfiguring the layout to make the space as easy as possible for Leland to navigate without his braces. We completely redesigned the bathroom, borrowing space from the closet to create a more accessible footprint. Our longtime partners at Randall Brothers provided the lumber needed for the renovation, and our friends at Walk Your Plans Atlanta helped us review and fine-tune the layout before construction began.
Our in-home designer, Clareece Cunningham, created what she describes as “a warm, modern take on classic farmhouse style, with nods to Leland’s love of sports and all the things that make him so cool.” She incorporated farmhouse-inspired details, including shiplap on the lower half of the walls, installed vertically for a fresh, modern feel. Inside the shower, we built a comfortable bench and strategically placed shelving so Leland can reach everything he needs while seated. MSI Tile generously provided all of the tile for the shower and bathroom, while the talented team at Real Floors Commercial donated the labor for the tile installation. Grab bars and door swings were carefully planned to support Leland’s movement throughout the space. For example, he can now hold onto the toilet room door handle and reach directly across to a grab bar near the shower, giving him more stability and confidence when he is not wearing his braces.
Custom cabinetry was provided by our partners at Bell Cabinets, who poured care into every detail and even visited the job site to ensure precise measurements. One side of the bathroom features a traditional vanity with plenty of storage, while the other includes a roll-under sink, allowing Leland to use the space from his wheelchair when needed. Top Knobs provided the cabinet hardware, and Pulley & Associates helped supply the beautiful black fixtures throughout the bathroom. Our longtime partners at Construction Resources and Cambria Surfaces provided the stunning quartz countertops, which Clareece designed with an overhang to add a sleek, modern touch.
A beautiful, medically functional space that supports Leland’s independence without feeling clinical.
Beyond the shower, one of the most meaningful parts of the renovation was the toilet room. Knowing that Leland’s bathroom routine can be long and physically demanding, our team wanted to create a space that was not only functional but also comfortable. Our friends at Therapy Gyms designed and built a custom fold-away desk for Leland, while Bell Cabinets added custom storage to make the room even more practical.
Using generously provided paint from Sherwin-Williams, Clareece created contrast by painting the vertical shiplap in the toilet room a rich dark blue. She finished the space with sports prints and wall pegs, adding personality, storage, and a sense of joy throughout the room. The result is a beautiful, medically functional space that supports Leland’s independence without feeling clinical. Since the renovation, Leland has enjoyed a new level of freedom in his daily routines, and his confidence continues to grow as he navigates his accessible space. We look forward to following Leland’s journey as he pursues new activities and milestones.
We are also grateful to our additional partners, including TKO, Bin There Dump That, ASV, and Nicole Wood Photography. A special thank you goes to the Brookfield Country Club Ladies’ Golf Invitational for choosing Leland as the beneficiary of their 2025 tournament and helping make this life-changing renovation possible.
We invite all of our supporters to stay connected with us as our work continues. Sign up for updates to receive stories of children like Leland and invitations to special events throughout the year. We also welcome you to attend upcoming fundraisers and community gatherings, where you can see firsthand the difference your generosity makes. By staying engaged, you are a vital part of our mission and our extended community. Thank you for your ongoing support.
