Sunshine, Shelter and a Special Wish: Creating Sophia’s New Outdoor Space
Sophia has always loved being outside. She loves to swing, play with her toys, and spend time with the people around her. Her parents describe her as sweet, silly, social, and an awesome big sister to her little brother Joel.
She’s also incredibly resilient. Her parents, Michael and Kelsey, both describe her as a warrior, a word that reflects the strength she’s shown throughout a long and complex medical journey.
When Sophia and her family had the opportunity to make a wish through Make-A-Wish Oregon, they imagined a backyard where more of the things Sophia loves could happen right at home. They wanted a space for family time, friends, play, movie nights, and quiet moments together.
When the team at Rick’s heard Sophia’s story and how much she loves being outside, we were excited to help bring her wish to life. Working with Make-A-Wish Oregon and other project partners, we set out to help create an outdoor space where Sophia could spend more time doing the things she loves with the people closest to her.
Sophia’s Wish: More Time Outside With Family and Friends
For Sophia and her family, the wish was about creating a backyard that could become a part of everyday life, or as Michael described it, “a space for community and also play.”
Her family imagined using it for family activities, visits with friends, play, and movie nights. The finished space includes a covered patio area with a projector and screen, plus a swing Sophia will happily stay on for hours.
As Kelsey put it, “She loves being outside, and so it’s all the things we know and love about Sophia and all the things that Sophia loves.”
Just as importantly, the space gives the family a place to slow down. Michael described it as a little oasis, somewhere they can relax, spend time with people they care about, and enjoy those moments without having to leave home.
Coming Together to Create a Backyard for Sophia
Once Sophia’s family had a clear idea of what they wanted from the space, Rick’s worked with Make-A-Wish Oregon and patio cover manufacturer American Patio Cover to help create the space the family had envisioned, using an Acrylite Cover. A foundation that included a new concrete patio and access walkway was provided by local Vancouver contractor Slabtown Construction.
The project was designed to make the backyard more comfortable and accessible for Sophia. A patio cover provides relief from summer heat and rain, while a new chain-link fence helps complete the yard.
Bringing Sophia’s new backyard together was a team effort, with each project partner helping in their own way. Make-A-Wish Oregon helped shape Sophia’s wish, and Rick’s contributed project expertise, coordination, and installation to help turn the idea into a finished space.
Throughout the project, the focus stayed on Sophia and her family, listening to how they wanted to use the space and creating a backyard where they could gather, relax, and play.
What You Do Matters
Michael shared that their family is “unbelievably thankful” for everyone who helped make the wish possible. Kelsey put it simply: “What you do matters.”
For families like theirs, community support can create more time together, more moments at home that feel special, and more chances for Sophia to enjoy the things she loves. Rick’s is thankful to have played a part in making that possible and hopes the space brings Sophia and her family many happy memories in the years ahead.
