Latest Causes
Creating an uplifting space for
hope and healing.
Our Mission
Our principle activity is to redesign bedrooms for children with cancer, and cancer - like conditions, at their home. We completely redecorate the bedroom by painting murals, purchasing new furniture, choosing an overall theme, and more, to meet the desires of the child and his or her family.
From Humble Beginings
During Lauren's Sophomore year of college she decided to create an organization that would make a direct, positive impact on children battling cancer. Her mother Mardel, an interior designer, proposed the idea of redesigning children’s bedrooms, and Lauren instantly responded, “Designing Dreams!” Learn more about how Designing Dreams began.
Grounded in Research
Designing Dreams model of bedroom redesign is grounded in research on how the physical space a child is in can combat the social-emotional side effects of cancer. Through our bedroom redesigns, we focus on best practices and research for creating spaces that decrease stress, depression, and anxiety- while making it a space that reminds the child of people, places, and things they love.
What They Say?
Our Core Values
Have Passion: Our hearts and minds are wired to help.
Build Relationships: Empathy is everything.
Practice Integrity: We do the right thing.
Happiness is Key: We are zealous, creative, positive, and fun-loving.
Be Bold: We are courageous in our endeavors to make an impact.
Foster Leadership: We lead by example and listen to all ideas.
Success Stories!
Board of Directors
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Ken Bockhorst
President, Badger Meter
Ken joined Badger Meter in October 2017 as Chief Operating Officer, and was appointed President in April 2018. Prior to Badger Meter he served as EVP of Actuant’s Energy Segment.
Stefanie Book
Fixed Income Trader, Allianz Investment Management
Stefanie earned her BA in Economics from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She is currently working as a Fixed Income Trader.
Lauren Curwick
Medical Student, College of Wisconsin
Lauren attends medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin and is on track to become a physician in 2021.
Mardel Curwick
Founder, The Elegant Interior
Mardel founded and operates a design business, The Elegant Interior. She also leads the design of all bedroom redesigns for Designing Dreams.
Todd Hedberg
Managing Partner, Commercial Real Estate
Todd is the managing partner of over 300,000 sq. ft. of commercial space in the Wisconsin market. His background focuses extensively on sales, marketing, and budget preparation.
Teal Johnson
Attorney, Melvin & Melvin, PLLC
Teal received her B.S. in Psychology from UMN-Twin Cities and J.D. from Syracuse University. She is an attorney specializing in Commercial Litigation, Creditors Rights, and Bankruptcy.
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Erin Monasterio
Call Center Supervisor, UMN Foundation
Erin holds a Bachelor's degree from University of Minnesota- Twin Cities in Communication Studies. She works at the University of Minnesota Foundation as the Call Center Supervisor.
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Kelly O'Donnell
CEO, Lively Digital Marketing
Kelly holds an MBA in Social Impact & Leadership from Boston University and a Digital Marketing Certificate from Cornell University. She is the Founder of Lively Digital Marketing.
Mark Roedl
Area Sales Manager, Key Technology
Mark has been involved in sales and account management for over 30 years, primarily in the food processing industry. He is a proud supporter of Designing Dreams.
