09/13/2026
Not every girl gets a full bedroom makeover for her 18th birthday, but then again, not every 18-year-old has walked the road Jeyda Armstrong of Charles City has had to walk.
Today, when we opened her bedroom door, I saw something I won’t forget any time soon – a smile that lit up her whole face, a soft “I LOVE IT,” and then, moments later, tears as she wrapped her arms around her mother. That moment said everything. It was the kind of reaction that reminds us why My Happy Place exists, and why these makeovers matter so deeply.
Jeyda’s recent diagnosis of Juvenile Huntington’s Disease has altered the course of her life and that of her family in most ways most of us will never have to imagine. And yet in the middle of something so heavy, she felt joy today. Real, overwhelming joy.
My Happy Place is truly honored to be able to brighten her world and give her the “boho” themed room, she hoped for – a haven where she can hang out surrounded by all the things she loves and just be herself.
Mike Molstead Motors of Charles City stepped forward in a way that left us deeply grateful. They didn’t just help financially – they helped with the actual makeover, let us ship the larger items to the dealership, and used their own manpower to get everything assembled and delivered straight to Jeyda’s home. We truly couldn’t ask for more than that.
And they weren’t alone on this mission. Many others offered their time, their resources, their hearts – all to help create a room that reflects the love this community has for Jeyda.
Today, Jeyda’s newly decorated room was revealed to her. A room built with compassion, with hope, and for a girl who deserves every bit of beauty we can give her.
Thank you to all of the following for stepping forward wanting to help:
Jane Fischer & Associates LLCJ – a special thank you to Jane as she reached out to Mike Molestead Motors, which helped open the door to this incredible sponsorship. In addition, Jane was kind enough to do some Amazon Wishlist shopping.
Leon Christianson, Christianson Interiors – a man who never says no - who not only donates the carpet but installs it in all of the rooms that have ever needed carpet. Leon’s motto: “Teamwork makes the dream work.” And we couldn’t agree more.
Furniture Mattress Outlet – for giving us the best price possible on beautiful bedroom furniture. Our partnership with FMO has been going since MHP first started, and we couldn’t do it without them.
Spring Air – a partner of Furniture Mattress Outlet - Spring Air donated a top-quality mattress. The mattress they provided has medical benefits Jeyda will definitely benefit from: copper infused memory foam for pressure relief, temperate control, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and amazingly comfortable. We couldn’t ask for a better mattress to fit Jeyda’s needs.
Eric Suby – Love & Luck Photography – a MHP partner who never says no and never disappoints. Eric’s professional photos tell our story beautifully. Eric has been with us since the very beginning.
Josh Johnson, Johnson Painting – for answering the call for a painter and some paint. This wasn’t just a quick 4 walls and you’re done paint job- they had patching to do, but the ceiling had to be painted also. They even did the closet! Immaculate job!
Tyler Sullivan, Sullivan Electric Inc – made it possible for us to use a ceiling fan in the room, thus we could have overhead light where there was none before. Sounds like he had to wade through 3 ft. of insulation to do the job. Josh also put a motion light in the closet and put all new outlet covers on.
Best Western Holiday Lodge – for accommodating Jeyda’s family for 2 nights while we came in and worked our magic. Another partner who has never turned us down when lodging has been needed.
North Iowa Community Credit Union – donating a gift card and always a great supporter of MHP.
Michelle Skarpness Photography – offering to photograph Jeyda and supply several photographs and a canvas for us to use in her room. Coincidentally, Jeyda wore the perfect color dress that matched her room. Greatly appreciate you, Michelle. Michelle even went out of her way to bring in a huge rattan chair to use as a backdrop for Jeyda's photos.
Toby Welsh, Midwest Duct Cleaning – offered the family a duct cleaning completely free of charge.
Katie Jo – 14&twenty - offered to bring cupcakes for the reveal.
Bob Steenson, editor of the Charles City Press, and also my brother, for the wonderful coverage of Jeyda’s story.
Kelly Papineau – supplied a fantastic birthday banner
Cassandra Michael – supplied water and a balloon bouquet. And what a bouquet it was - times 2. They were beautiful!
Samantha Kueter – donated a gift basket.
Rasing Joy Balloons – the awesome balloon arch that welcomed the family when they arrived home and provided a great backdrop for the group picture.
Desirae Randle – supplied a big, beautiful movie-themed gift basket.
Kelly Schmidt – plates and napkins
Otto's Oasis – donated the vase of fresh flowers on Jeyda’s bedside table, adding a beautiful touch to the room.
Debbie Klunder – made a personalized tumbler. This is extra special because Debbie was a former recipient of a room makeover by MHP and wanted to pay it forward.
We also want to thank all those who shopped on Amazon. This is the first time we created a Wishlist, and it was a success. Roughly 25 items were purchased and all those things add up and saved on our budget. We are grateful to all of you who contributed.
If you know of someone who would benefit from a space makeover, you can nominate them using this link. My Happy Place serves a 30-mi. radius area. https://myhappyplaces.org/nomination-form/
