MONTICELLO - A 6-year-old gained an outdoor space at her Monticello home, complete with a shady pergola, a fountain and a misting system, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Isabell Voit was nominated by her medical team for the large wooden structure and accompanying ramp to be built in her backyard. Voit has a rare form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. According to the LGS Foundation website, the condition is often a debilitating form of childhood-onset epilepsy. The syndrome includes a variety of seizures and moderate to severe cognitive impairment. It is one of the most difficult forms to treat. While Voit is not able to walk or speak, she understands the world around her.
Angie Voit, Isabell's mother, said when Make-A-Wish accepted the nomination, it took the entire family by surprise.
"We were shocked, actually," Angie Voit said. "It was difficult to think of something that would best benefit her. Something she could get many uses out of."
The foundation gave the family four options for wish requests. The child can either live the day as someone, meet someone they admire, go on a vacation, or have something built. The wish, made by her parents Angie and Mark on Isabell's behalf, was granted by North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters.
Aaron Zimmerman was a part of the project. He said the group's main goal is to give back through volunteer work, and that within the Madison area alone, the carpenters union completes five to six projects each year. Zimmerman said building the large wooden structure, the ramp leading from the family's kitchen screen door, and features like the planters which hold the base of support, took seven workers about 14 hours to complete.
"It's a fulfilling feeling," Zimmerman said. "It hits you right in the heart. When you meet these families, it's all worth it. As a carpenters union, we feel that we have these skills, so why not give back."
Isaac Voit, Isabell's 8-year-old brother, said he thought the pergola and the whole design was a good idea.
"I like the shade and the misting system," Isaac said.
The shade of the pergola and the misting system run through water lines along the inside of the top beams play an integral part in Isabell's happiness; Angie said the ability to go outside without overheating gives her daughter a chance to enjoy the outdoors without discomfort.
"We all like to go out there and relax," Angie said. "Spend time as a family. This gives us a chance to do that."
The addition to the Voit family home was dedicated by Make-A-Wish workers on Friday. Isabell and her family celebrated with cake and ice cream.
Isabell Voit was nominated by her medical team for the large wooden structure and accompanying ramp to be built in her backyard. Voit has a rare form of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. According to the LGS Foundation website, the condition is often a debilitating form of childhood-onset epilepsy. The syndrome includes a variety of seizures and moderate to severe cognitive impairment. It is one of the most difficult forms to treat. While Voit is not able to walk or speak, she understands the world around her.
Angie Voit, Isabell's mother, said when Make-A-Wish accepted the nomination, it took the entire family by surprise.
"We were shocked, actually," Angie Voit said. "It was difficult to think of something that would best benefit her. Something she could get many uses out of."
The foundation gave the family four options for wish requests. The child can either live the day as someone, meet someone they admire, go on a vacation, or have something built. The wish, made by her parents Angie and Mark on Isabell's behalf, was granted by North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters.
Aaron Zimmerman was a part of the project. He said the group's main goal is to give back through volunteer work, and that within the Madison area alone, the carpenters union completes five to six projects each year. Zimmerman said building the large wooden structure, the ramp leading from the family's kitchen screen door, and features like the planters which hold the base of support, took seven workers about 14 hours to complete.
"It's a fulfilling feeling," Zimmerman said. "It hits you right in the heart. When you meet these families, it's all worth it. As a carpenters union, we feel that we have these skills, so why not give back."
Isaac Voit, Isabell's 8-year-old brother, said he thought the pergola and the whole design was a good idea.
"I like the shade and the misting system," Isaac said.
The shade of the pergola and the misting system run through water lines along the inside of the top beams play an integral part in Isabell's happiness; Angie said the ability to go outside without overheating gives her daughter a chance to enjoy the outdoors without discomfort.
"We all like to go out there and relax," Angie said. "Spend time as a family. This gives us a chance to do that."
The addition to the Voit family home was dedicated by Make-A-Wish workers on Friday. Isabell and her family celebrated with cake and ice cream.