The Kypreos Family
Basement Makeover * San Jose Sharks * Sissy
We were introduced to Addison aka “Sissy” Kypreos in 2022 when she began her liver treatments as a result of her EPP. Noticing the bedroom she recovered in couldn’t escape the sun’s wrath, we renovated the family basement to not only act as a new bedroom for Addi but to also give her a place to hang during those hot summer days
While in stage 5 liver failure, Addison had to temporarily stop playing hockey (her passion) for seven months. Wanting to double down on our experience, we got in touch with her favorite team, the San Jose Sharks. What happened next was a weekend we’ll never forget.
Sissy was born with EPP
Suffering from Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP) is 1 in a million rare . Only a few minutes in the sun can lead to second degree like burns on exposed areas of her body.
Even with her heartbreaking diagnosis, it did not stop Sissy from living her life. She continued to push her boundaries. She would routinely participate in outdoor activities and was never self-conscious of fully covering up in public.
“There’s no sun in here”
Sissy always had the one place the sun couldn’t get her - the rink.
Sissy often calls Hockey her happy place, and it’s something that makes her feel “normal.”
That is until April 2022
When the Kypreos learned that everyone’s favorite sister was diagnosed with Stage 5 liver failure (from complications associated with her EPP) and at some point she was going to need a new liver.
Even in the most gloom of scenarios, Sissy’s outlook never changed. She worked hard and kept up with her monthly treatments and appointment with a smile on her face.
“The Sun Shines in here 24/7”
While recovering from liver treatments, Addison spent most of her days keeping to herself in her room. The only problem was that the positioning of her got intense sun most of the day. Nothing helped minimizing the light (and temperature). It made Sissy’s set of circumstances even more uncomfortable.
Wanting to make life easier for her (and noting the family’s unfinished basement), Shadow Jumpers sprung into action
It Just Keeps Getting Better!
During our basement renovation we discovered Sissy’s love for the San Jose Sharks. Watching them play was bitter sweet because she had to temporarily give up playing hockey herself for 7 months due to her liver treatments and an enlarged spleen.
We got in touch with the Sharks and told them about Addison’s story. They wanted to make sure her and the whole Kypreos family ended the year on high note, lead by the family’s favorite player, Anthony Duclair.....
The Sharks Pull out all the stops
Shadow Jumpers flew Sissy and the whole Kypreos family to be guests of honor withe San Jose Sharks for a weekend.
They watched practice from the bench, interacted with the players and the coaching staff. Addison then participated in on-ice drills with the entire team, breaking in a new stick that was cut and customized by the Sharks equipment staff. Post-practice, the family was treated to a locker room tour lead by Sharks Anthony Duclair and Justin Bailey during which Addison was surprised with a teal game jersey and her brothers received some authentic Sharks gear.
The following day they watched warm-ups from the Sharks bench and Addison read the starting line-up to the team before the family cheered on the players as they took the ice. Addison rode the Zamboni and the Kypreos boys raced tricycles on the ice during the 2nd Intermission. Addison also got to visit the press box and was interviewed by Sharks broadcast Hall-of-Famer Dan Rusanowsky.
Even more important, the Sharks beat the Anaheim Ducks that Saturday night 5-3. We are so appreciative of the San Jose Sharks for giving the Kypreos a weekend they’ll talk about for a lifetime.
Also Shadow Jumpers would like to thank the extraordinary efforts from Kevin Grinvalsky and Rodina Builders. Kevins leadership, professionalism and commitment to Addison’s basement renovation made Shadow Jumpers’ biggest financial commitment to date feel like a walk in the park.
