I am in awe of Savvy Giving by Design and everything they’ve done for our family. This charity is truly beyond words, bringing joy and light to children facing unimaginable health battles. For our son Cody, who endured a year and a half of intense brain cancer treatment, they created a room that feels like his own sanctuary. They listened to him with such care, making it a place full of warmth and personality. It’s now his favorite space, and we are endlessly grateful for the happiness Savvy Giving by Design brought during such a challenging time. This gift keeps on giving, reminding us of the love and support around our family. If there is one organization we could give infinite stars to, it’s Savvy Giving by Design. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!
There’s a quote out there that goes, “There’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”
In 2021 our 13-year daughter was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, that then turned into a host of lifetime problems, including loss of her peripheral vision in both eyes. For the past two years, we have been trying to navigate a world that no child, parent, sibling, or any human should ever have to experience. In our little bubble, the experience of “JOY” comes in the form of our daughter getting to skip a poke and probe day, or a canceled appointment so her older sister doesn’t have to babysit her younger brothers, or an early appointment that allows us parents to be present for our boys’ baseball games.
Savvy Giving by Design, and every single person involved, has redefined our meaning of joy and gratitude! What you have given to ALL FOUR of our children was not just a redesigned room; it is so much more! You have given them an oasis in a bleak desert. Complete strangers have shown them the beauty of kindness in this world, which will forever stick with them and have a rippling effect in their lives.
Savvy Giving by Designs – you are an amazing organization to say the least! Pictures or words do not do enough justice to show the amazing transformation and the talent of your team, and our gratitude towards your organization!
Forever Grateful – The Griffith Family
One of the best non profits in helping the wonderful children stricken with cancer and their families. My husband also worked closely with the Savvy Giving family. Was proud to be able to assist in such a giving way to their cause. Thank you Susan
I have followed this wonderful nonprofit since the first child, Kasey Harvey, was given the gift of a beautiful space to heal from cancer. Supporting families with ill children in a very personal and meaningful way, is priceless.
I’ve been a fan of Susan and her team of Savvy design angels for a few years now. Her goal is simple; she uses her design skills to transform sick kids’ spaces so that they may recuperate in comfort and style. The joy that she brings to the faces of both these kiddos and their families is authentic and heart-warming. Cancer doesn’t care. It doesn’t discriminate. Susan and her team create and implement these accommodations at no cost to the families themselves, but rather, rely on the generous donations of community members to make the magic happen.
I have had the great pleasure of being involved with, following, and supporting Savvy Giving since the beginning. The transformations of these spaces are not only beautiful, the detail and knowledge that goes into selecting products that are beneficial to the health and function of the space is what truly makes what Savvy Giving does so amazing. Use of light, smooth surfaces and more the Tram knows how to make a healing space.
Making a difference in someone’s life is so special. When these families are fighting so much and focusing on the health of a child making a difference is even more important.
Not only do these room transform, but Savvy Givers are transformed. The reveals show theses spaces and you can see exactly where your donations went. The stories, the people, the donations, the connection to space fills the heat in knowing there is a tangible difference!!
I follow and donate to Savvy. As a parent whose son has had leukemia and kidney cancer, I understand the impact her donation has on the entire family. Cancer is very debilitating to their emotional state, and providing a new environment brings joy and happiness into the families' lives and helps them feel supported
I am an avid follower of this non-profit and as a fellow designer, I totally appreciate and understand how much work it takes to create these amazing spaces for kids on a very limited budget. Relying on donations, calling in favors, and so many pro-bono man/women hours of work- it’s unbelievable how many lives have been touched by this non profit!
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This is an amazing non-profit that helps kids with serious medical disorders have the bedroom of their dreams to come home to when they need to rest and heal. As anyone who has been hospitalized knows, hospitals are chaotic and not a good place for sick people, especially children. When I see the work this group does, it brings tears to my eyes. I can’t imagine a more worthwhile cause, especially as an interior designer, I know how much ones environment can influence their health. Savvy Giving by Design gets to know each child that they help personally and tailors their space to their needs.
Malachi’s story is hard to tell. In regards to the love poured onto our family after his accident… unquenchable gratefulness. Thank you.
Savvy Giving by Design changes the lives of kids battling life threatening diseases. The heart of this organization is immeasurable. They are honest, dedicated people who are passionate about creating bedrooms for these kids and their siblings where they feel free, safe and special.
Where I work several years ago a wonderful employee and his family were devastated to find out their young son was battling cancer. Susan having had already been a client of mine, so I was aware of her work, not only as a talented designer, but as a woman who gave to those children who were facing incredible health challenges. I thougth what a wonderful match her company's service would be to help young Luke. I reached out to her to bring him to her attention to see if he could possibly be gifted a new room? Ironically that very week she too had learned of Luke and had already in her mind decided she was going to not only help with Luke's room but also with his sister's room. Luke was a happy outgoing young boy and while following his journey, I know what a difference her and her team's contribution made to his comfort and the joy due to the "Labor of Love" that was felt by this Angel, aka Luke.
The entire Savvy team and their subsequent chapters have a true heart for creating spaces that promote healing. Their attention to detail, love for the work, and dedication to supporting the recipient families is inspiring!
I’m so impressed with this organization. They are giving back to kids with cancer and their families. They design and build rooms to make life easier , happier and pretty for kids who are suffering. Their empathy knows no limits. All volunteer with a large following. People can donate on line or buy needed items on line. Most items go so fast you don’t even get a chance.
I am continually impressed by amazing work of Savvy Giving By Design. They create beautiful, functional and accessible spaces for critcally ill children to heal; customizing each room to that child's interests, medical situation and needs. I am proud to continue support this wonderful organization.
My husband and I have supported this wonderful organization from the beginning. We are always amazed at the wonderful results for the children and their families. Long term, serious childhood diseases effect the entire family. Susan and her talented team work for each child to create a environment they can enjoy while healing.
We have been so impressed with the unselfish giving of time and resources of the principals of Savvy Giving to benefit children undergoing traumatic diseases. We have followed Savvy from the very beginning and have marveled at it’s continuing commitment to their goal of bringing comfort, safety, and a joyful room environment to aid in their recovery. Godspeed.
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One of the most compassionate and giving nonprofits comprised of all volunteers who provide essential home safe environments for children with life threading diseases and other handicaps. These children are confined to their rooms for extended times and the joy and comfort that safe and attractive surroundings provide offers a boost to their recovery time and mental attitude
Savvy Giving not only provided my daughter, who is battling cancer, with a beautiful room, they gave her a magical space for her to dream, learn and create! The bedroom they designed for her has made our need to isolate and homeschool due to her low immunity so much easier. And I was so surprised how efficiently they re-did her room. They took into account her vision with my request for practicality and made it happen in less than 2 weeks! The quality is incredible too. I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Savvy Giving. They brought us to tears with the love they put into her room.
I have seen first hand what a difference Savvy Given By Design’s room makeover has done for a cancer stricken child and her family. They created a personalized bedroom where she was surrounded by so many things she loved. This space gave her a beautiful place to heal and recover. She has been cancer free for over 3 years now and continues to enjoy her very special bedroom. Thanks Savvy Giving for all you do!!
How can you describe into words the gifts that this amazing team provides. Truly angels look over them. Such a special group that provides thoughtful design for their special clients,
This nonprofit plays such a HUGE role in the healing process of children undergoing a medical crisis. They also go above and beyond to include siblings that often get overlooked during their siblings time of need. Could not speak more highly of what they do and how they are changing the lives of these kids and give the family something refreshing to talk about and look forward to.
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This nonprofit truly does amazing work that matters! Providing kids who are going through a medical crisis with dream bedrooms does more than just bring excitement... it truly gives them room to heal! I have witnessed first hand the healing power of one of these well designed spaces. They use safe materials, and provide professional installers. Truly a remarkable nonprofit.
The absolute BEST experience! We are so blessed to have received such a gift for our daughter. Her room is a place of comfort and refuge as she receives chemo treatments. Her siblings were also gifted room makeovers— the fact that they INCLUDE siblings is hands down a game changer. The team really takes the time to get to know each child and situation. They really care and put their heart into the work they do. We are forever grateful.
In 2018 Sol received her room makeover. After going through cancer alongside her mom, whom later lost her battle, this room was & still is a healing room for Sol. The beautiful blue shades in the walls provides peace and comfort for Sol. We are extremely grateful for Savvy and everything they did to create this beautiful space for Sol.
I have known Susan personally for many years, and she is such a genuine, above and beyond friend. Her impact in my life has been immense. But her work with Savvy, that is Susan’s calling, her legacy in this world. It is Susan’s God given blessing to help others in need and she is amazing ♥️
Savvy Giving focuses on an area that few people think about. Savvy gives comfort and joy through life’s most trying trials for these young people! % of the donations go to these spaces that provide refuge and peace for these families.
I love Savvy Giving By Design. Often times with nonprofits you don’t really know where your donation goes .... but With SGBD you do. You see it in the rooms, you can make purchases directly and easily and of course they can always use $$ too for bigger items or specialty items. The difference that is made in these rooms is magical. I have had the honor to work on and witness several reveals and it is so moving and rewarding to know that you have made a difference in a child’s life, their siblings and their family’a in a time of need. Thank you Savvy Giving for all you do!!!
I have never seen anyone doing what this organization does and it is Amazing.
My granddaughter was a recipient of this service while fighting stage 4 Neuroblastoma.
I was so moved, I do my best to participate in all future rooms in some way.
If I could give 10 ⭐️ I would. All parties involved in each redesign put their heart and soul into the project!
Savvy Giving serves a need that most people probably never knew was out there. Creating a safe, comforting space for children going through medical crises forms a small pocket of peace in an incredibly stressful time for families. I’ve seen the Savvy Giving team bring joy to a family I know. Their thoughtful process, hard work and pure love made a world of difference.
I first learned of Susan and her team when they did a room makeover for a friend’s baby daughter who was going through cancer. I have followed her non-profit ever since. Susan has the most amazing heart - and absolutely impeccable taste. She has given people like me the ability to see how a comfortable, beautiful space can positively impact someone facing a medical crisis. One of my favorite non-profits ever .
I had never heard of Savvy Giving before about a year ago when I started working with an Interior Designer who was part of the organization. After learning about SGBD, my heart grew for this organization and the kids that are the recipients of these rooms. Seeing these kids who have gone through so much have a big smile on their face makes all the difference. The right space can really affect how a child and family heals from the trauma caused by illness. Savvy Giving really does help kids heal. ❤️
Such a great concept such a neat idea such a loving thought to design a space for children to heal, and love being in their rooms, while battling a health crisis. Love seeing firsthand how the donations are spent! The priceless smiles!
Savvy Giving By Design will always have a special place in my heart for the work they do! They provided a beautiful healing place for my grandson who is battling neuroblastoma and also remodeled his brother’s room so he could feel special too!
I have donated and volunteered in different capacities for Savvy Giving by Design for several years. I was a Board Member for 1 year. The work that the Savvy team does for children who are facing a medical crisis, and the effect of that work on the entire family, is something to behold. Savvy Giving puts smiles on faces and warms the hearts of families during the most difficult times imaginable. Siblings, who often get somewhat sidelined during the crisis, are not forgotten. Savvy makes sure that each child in the family is blessed with the gift of a new space.
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This organization started as a grass roots effort by a local interior designer. Through the savvy use of social media and a tireless commitment to this work, Susan has been able to mobilize the community to donate money and items to help bring comfort and joy to children and their families as the kids go through the harrowing long-term cancer treatments. The spaces she designs for these kids, and their siblings, are truly magnificent and have inspired a whole community to pitch in. To see the joy on the faces of these families when their new spaces are revealed is priceless. I was inspired to become more actively involved after watching their efforts and results via the videos and photos that were posted on social media.
Susan and her Savvy team created an amazing healing space for our son Joshua and his younger brother Luke. Their room makeovers are functional for a healing child and has brought them so much joy and comfort in a time when this is much needed.
They create safe, creative spaces for critically ill kids(families) to heal (rest) in the comfort of home. There's no higher calling...
My daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in February 2018. We were nominated by another cancer family to get bedroom makeovers for our cancer child and her siblings at no cost to our family. They went above and beyond to make sure been made my children’s dreams come true during a time that we were struggling emotionally and financially and our family is forever grateful for what they have done. Zoes bedroom has been her safe place during difficult times and makes her so incredibly happy. What this non profit does for our kids is amazing! This is our family and the Savvy team that made it all happen. ♥️
Our son Luke was the recipient of a room makeover by Savvy Giving by Design. Susan and her team give so much of their time, talents, energy, and heart to each child’s room. They communicate so well with families and really bro g to life such wonderful healing spaces for children fighting life-threatening illness. Savvy Giving is transparent with the funds that are allocated and don’t cheat the kids out of high end materials that make the spaces healthier, lovelier, and just absolutely perfect for each child!
The heart, the love, and the compassion of Savvy Giving make us all better people! Changing the world, one room at a time! Love this amazing group!
What a fabulous organization. My co-worker hit 10 years cancer-free and raised money for Savvy Giving by Design, and told myself and many others about it. I now am actively following and supporting how I can! What a beautiful gift offered to others.
It's phenomenal to see so many people come together for such a worthwhile cause. We should all strive to make even a fraction of the positive impact Savvy Giving is having in the lives they touch. Bravo to all involved.
My son Gideon was diagnosed in Nov 2015 after 7 months of heath deterioration. We were blessed to receive a dream batcave room makeover shortly after his diagnosis. His treatment is still ongoing until Feb 2019, and this room makeoker has make the extra time spent at home so much fun for him. Of all the organizations that provide extra love for cancer kids, the room makeover is the gift that keeps on giving.
The work done by Savvy Giving By Design is such an amazing feel good moment in what otherwise is a very scary uncomfortable time! The recipients have excitement to see they're Room to Heal, a positive thing for them to come home to! Susan and her team spare nothing and leave nothing to the imagination! Dreams really do come True!
I have watched this group in action and they are nothing short of amazing. The work they are doing for these children and their families is incredible. The leadership at the top is very organized so you can be certain they are working hard and utilizing all resources to the max to make the lives of families with a sick child less stressful. Highly recommend this nonprofit!
I have been an oncology nurse at Rady Children’s Hospital for over 30 years. We are lucky to have many non profits who support our patients and their families, and Savvy Giving By Design is among the very best, and most beautiful and unique of the lot. SGBD creates healing spaces, not only for our patients or other medically fragile youth in our community, but for siblings as well, keeping in mind that they too are deeply affected during the difficult time of a health crisis. These lovely refuges, thoughtfully and individually designed with the child’s (or teen’s) personality and likes, wishes and comforts in mind, become wonder filled places which our patients go home to, grow strong in, become whole in. I am so grateful to Susan Wintersteen (who is like a fairy queen godmother princess of love and creativity) for her drive and her vision, for her staff and contractors who work tirelessly to bring these rooms to life, and to all who support this incredible charity. SGBD truly works miracles and those miracles foster the miracles of hope and healing to blossom and grow.
Amy Schneider BSN RN CPHON
Susan Wintersteen and Savvy Giving by Design are the real deal. I have personally donated to their projects and seen the amazing effects something as seemingly simple as a room makeover can have on the families supported by this charity. They have big, wonderful and amazing hearts.
So proud to be a small part of this wonderful organization! The difference it is making in children’s lives, now all across the country, is amazing!
This charity helps families struggling with cancer. While it directly benefits the child with cancer by providing a healthy, clean, calm room-they also often improve the spaces of the siblings. They care for the entire family and provide a space to heal.
An amazing organization that provides for families dealing with medical crisis. They provide children an opportunity to express themselves through design and give them control over something when their world has otherwise been turned upside down. Love that siblings also get their rooms refreshed.
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That I can give and know EXACTLY where my donation is going and the young person it is helping is amazing! I know how much in trying times the soft comfort of a soothing space with soft warm bedding, soft lighting, and just a touch of inspiration and whimsy can help, and it inspires me to support this organization focused on the youngest fighters, to whom these comforts must be especially dear.
Charity requires no recognition.
"But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."
Savvy giving gave my son the most amazing batcave room makeover, easily becoming the best room in the house. It has been very instrumental in keeping his spirits up, especially since he is limited on his outings and is home schooled due to his low immune system. His siblings love to hang out in his special space.
Savvy Giving is one of the most inspiring nonprofits I have gotten to know in recent years. Their team is incredibly dedicated to their passion of design and giving back. I love reading about their stories and hearing what a difference this family and their employees have made in the lives of others who need it most.
Savvy Giving is a big heart, high quality non-profit. Their commitment to providing safe, functional and beautiful rooms to ill children and their siblings is a truly remarkable and important mission that does so much more than designing rooms—they’re a beacon of hope and joy for families.
Savvy Interiors is a wonderful design business run by Susan Wintersteen. Susan has unselfishly donated so much time, talent and energy to this very worthy mission that has become Savvy Giving by Design. This is truly a grass roots effort, enlisting many people from all walks of life. By participating in "fund a need" posts on Facebook, you know that 100% of your donation is purchasing items that will brighten the lives of children in medical need. Recently, she is expanding beyond the local level and I think that is a wonderful thing for families in these terrible positions.
After losing my mom to cancer, I was looking for a charity that I could contribute to in her memory. Savvy Giving by Design makes a tangible difference in kids' lives who are facing very difficult, and often life-threatening, circumstances. The organization is run entirely by volunteers so that as much of our donations as possible go directly to the room makeovers. I love playing a small part in making these children smile.
Susan and her Amazing Savvy Team have consistently and effectively transformed the lives of so many as they battle the hardest fight of their lives. Her enormous talent and heart have gathered communties and families together by truly making a difference in so many lives.
The heart and soul of this group is Susan Wintersteen. She has incredible vision for what the families she touches. Each room is a journey with the families and she cares deeply.
Savvy Giving by Design is a wonderful nonprofit charity that has helped dozens of children in the San Diego area who are suffering from life threatening illness. While working with SGBD, I was so impressed with the professionalism, care, love, dedication and respect the members displayed throughout the entire process.
Savvy Giving by design is truly altruistic, as every thought out into an action has someone in need in mind. It is really amazing how home improvements can change the lives of the people they help in big ways.
I have had the privilege to donate to this wonderful organization that reminds me daily, through their Savvy Giving by Design and related web sites, just how special and fragile life is. Their work is fueled by love and caring for severely Ill children who need to know others care for them in their illness and recovery, by providing a special, safe haven just for them. I am humbled by those who design and create these special places, especially Susan Winterstein, the group’s founder and leader. 100% of the donations go toward these rooms, with room “reveals”showing not just what was created, but also the joy these children and their families receive. I often cry upon watching the videos of these reveals, and see that relatively small amounts of money, combined with a lot of love, can accomplish great things.
This is an AMAZING non profit and the team that runs it is SO PASSIONATE about the work they do... Seeing what they do to these rooms, and the reactions that come are simply beautiful. We need more of this in our world.
I feel blessed to be able to donate to a non-profit that has helped so many children and their siblings have a comfortable place to rest as they battle awful diseases! It’s heartbreaking to watch these children suffer but watching the room reveals brings happy tears to my eyes every time! Love what Savvy is doing for these amazing little souls!!!
Savvy Giving By Design is an amazing organization that brings peace, solace and hope to children who are suffering from life threatening disease. I have been fortunate to follow and support SGBD since its inception and am proud to be part of this team. The joy on the faces of these children as their rooms are revealed is priceless, as is the hard work that SGBD puts into each and every room they design. It's not just a newly decorated room - it's a safe haven that supports their health needs as well as their souls.
As someone who has gone through cancer, and volunteer with other non profits with children going through an such a life changing disease, Savvy Giving By Design gives a child and their family exactly what they need. A safe, healthy, place to live designed to make all the dreams of the child and their siblings come true. Cancer effects the entire family and you need a safe place for the times you are not in the hospital, getting scans, having labs and doctor appointments, which consume most day. To bring Joy during such a difficult time is a honor I cherish.
Savvy giving by design get into the heart of healing in these amazing kids own personal space! To be able see exactly what they do and watch a family be able to take a deep breath so they can focus on healing is what it's all about. I will always feel great giving to savvy giving by design.
Savvy Giving by Design creates the most beautiful spaces for families during a very difficult time, helping them heal, recover, grow and support their kiddos.
Savvy makes huge differences in the lives of the families it helps. Seeing the smiles on the kids' faces when they walk into their new rooms makes me cry (happy tears) every time. Giving these kids who are suffering from cancer an oasis of their own (a beautifully designed room), helps their ordeal a little bit easier.
This organization has truly done amazing things for kids battling life threatening illnesses in their community. I love to see how they are helping to provide a safe, warm and nurturing environment for these kids to heal. Thank you Savvy Giving by Design!
Not only am I a Board Member of this amazing nonprofit but I am also the parent of the first recipient of Savvy giving By Design. I know first-hand what a room renovation does for a child who has a life threatening illness. I am so passionate about SGBD and what it does for a family who are in the middle of a medical crisis.
Savvy Giving by Design is an incredible organization that brings light to the darkness that is childhood cancer. This org creates the most beautiful rooms that are not only stunning, but functional for these kids and their families as they face their treatment. Savvy Giving is fueled by its community of Savvy Givers and finds a way for each of us to make a difference in the day to day lives of those around us.