Liam’s Story: How Designing Spaces of Hope is Changing Lives One Home at a Time

Designing Spaces is a popular home renovation show that is known for its generosity in helping families in need. This show is part of BrandStar’s original properties, which also includes The Balancing Act. Through their special program “Designing Spaces of Hope,” they have partnered with major national and local brands to provide building supplies, furniture, and other essentials for home renovation projects. But Designing Spaces of Hope isn’t just about transforming homes—it’s about transforming lives. 

In one recent episode, the Designing Spaces team came to the aid of Liam Cruz and his mother Nicole Bolufé.  

As Nicole shared with Palm Beach Post, “I don’t know how to express my gratitude for what they’re doing. They’re making my life a lot easier. They’re making Liam’s life a lot easier. I can’t thank them enough.” 

Liam Cruz has a lot of fight in him

Liam was born in Greenwich, CT, in 2011, and at just six months old, Nicole noticed that something was wrong. Liam wasn’t eating or drinking and had started to regress. After a series of tests, he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. But it wasn’t until 2015 that Nicole received a devastating call from her geneticist. Liam was suffering from Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome, a rare brain development disorder that causes severe intellectual disability and movement problems. There are only about 300 cases worldwide, and Liam is one of just 3-4 in the United States. 

Despite his condition, Liam is an 11-year-old boy with an immense love for life. He attends Woodlands Middle School, where he is accompanied by a nurse, and he goes to a daycare staffed mostly by healthcare professionals. On Saturdays, he and Nicole often visit Dunkin’ Donuts for some fun and relaxation. But Liam’s needs are still greater than those of a newborn. He is prone to seizures, respiratory and cardiac failure, and has needed a ventilator in the past. He is fed through a port in his stomach.  

In May 2022, Nicole rushed Liam to the hospital, where they discovered he was suffering from intestinal paralysis, a severe iron deficiency, a lack of nutrients in his system, and tachycardia, a spike in heart rate that can cause sudden death. Yet, he is a fighter and continues to show this on a daily basis. His fight, of course, is supported by the amazing people around him.

Liam Cruz and his family

Support through ‘Designing Spaces of Hope’

When Designing Spaces of Hope heard about Liam’s story, they knew they had to help. The team, along with their generous partners, came prepared with everything they needed to renovate Liam and Nicole’s home. Volunteers were also invited to lend a hand and support Liam and Nicole during the renovation. 

Liam Cruz and his mother Nicole Bolufé behind the scenes of ‘Designing Spaces of Hope.’

Designing Spaces of Hope is a testament to the power of community and the importance of giving back. By partnering with brands and bringing volunteers together, they’re able to make a real difference in the lives of families like Liam and Nicole’s.  

It’s heartwarming to see the joy that home renovations can bring, and it’s inspiring to see the impact that kindness and generosity can have on someone’s life. 

The bravery of Liam and his family shouldn’t go unnoticed. They are heroes in our eyes.  

To learn more about Liam’s story, tune in to Lifetime to watch this episode of Designing Spaces of Hope on May 12th and 18th at 7:30AM ET/PT.