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Ed Yeates ReportingMembers and friends of a Provo family were tearing things apart at a Utah hospital today, but in this case the hospital backed them up all the way.
Nine weeks ago a 13-year old boy died at Primary Children's from a fast moving infectious disease. Today, family and friends began tearing apart and remodeling a place inside the hospital filled with memories.
It might look like bedlam, but it's just what the doctor ordered. For the Kib and Lisa Jensen family, this is therapy for the soul, in memory of Brady who would have turned 14 last month.
Lisa Jensen, Brady's Mom: "He was such a giving, loving person, we wanted to do something that he could kind of live on forever, where he spent his last days."
They were the rooms where the Jensen's waited and slept, hoping day by day their son might pull through. But complications from viral encephalitis snuffed out his life.
Kib Jensen, Brady's Dad: "He went from a very active, healthy boy to passing away in less than two weeks."
The rooms were already scheduled for remodeling, but the Jensen's wanted to help. Many donated goods and raised 20-thousand dollars, which when added to Primary's own funding, will do wonders for this place.
Kib Jensen: "Having been here and knowing all the feelings and emotions you're going through when your child is in a life and death situation, that we wanted to make this a home away from home for the families that are here."
They’re adding new sofas, high backed chairs, two large plasma TV's, personalized DVD players, paintings, bookcases with books, even 3,000 hygiene kits for arriving moms and dads.
Part of the renovation there includes the purchase of bunk beds that will go into bedrooms adjoining the waiting space where parents can stay, both of them, while their children are in ICU.
Lisa Jensen: “Over the holidays it’s been great to have to do something for him and make him a part of our holidays.”
Brady's sister and brothers, friends, even a boy who knew him for only a passing moment, they're all there, transforming as a tribute! The Jensens say the remodeling is also for the people at Primary, many who worked extra shifts trying to save Brady's life.
