The treehouse can stay

The homeowners association agrees to tolerate the sick boy's retreat if a doctor says it's medically necessary. [Times photo: Tony Lopez] John Davis of Bay News 9 talks with Tammy Sassin in front of the treehouse, which also has attracted national attention

By AMY HERDY

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 12, 2000

TAMPA -- Faced with a national media frenzy that included a public scolding from Today host Katie Couric, the homeowners association that threatened to take down a sick child's treehouse agreed Tuesday to a compromise:

The treehouse can stay as long as the family gets a doctor's note.

"They said as long as it is deemed medically necessary, he can keep it," Tammy Sassin said of her 6-year-old son's backyard retreat. "I am just so grateful."

The boy's father, Omar Sassin, said he wanted to put the turmoil of the past several months behind him and help his son, Brage, battle leukemia.

"I'm ready to put my focus to who I'm supposed to be focusing on," Sassin said, "and that's Brage."

On Monday, a lawyer who volunteered his services to the family, sent a letter to the homeowners association, saying the removal of the treehouse would be harmful to the boy's health.

"The slightest stress can start a downward spiral of his medical condition," Clearwater lawyer Jonathan Comnes said.

On Tuesday, the manager of the homeowners association, Maura Lear, gave a brief statement to the press:

"On Nov. 9, 1999, the association received a written complaint from a neighbor of the Sassins claiming, "No child has used this treehouse for several months.' The matter was pursued through the proper channels as a direct result of that complaint. . . . The Tampa Palms Owners Association anticipates receiving a written statement of medical necessity from Brage Sassin's oncologist confirming that it is medically necessary for the playhouse to remain in its current location."

As a press conference was held outside the home to announce the settlement, Brage slept inside, unaware the controversy was over.

The homeowners association came under fire after a story Sunday in the St. Petersburg Times. The association had threatened the Sassin family with fines unless the treehouse was lowered to meet deed restrictions.

The treehouse stands 14 feet above the ground, 6 feet higher than allowed under the restrictions. Because it is in a tree, it can't be lowered.

Omar Sassin built the treehouse with Brage last year to celebrate what they thought was the boy's victory over leukemia, which he has battled since age 2.

Shortly after the treehouse was completed, the homeowners association began sending the family letters, saying the structure violated deed restrictions.

In August, Brage suffered a relapse and began chemotherapy treatments that led to frequent hospital stays. Doctors have told the Sassins their son has a 25 percent chance for survival.

His one respite from his illness, the Sassins said, was his treehouse.

"It's the one place where he's safe from all the needles and all the doctors, and where he gets to be a kid," Tammy Sassin said.

Despite offers to camouflage the treehouse with landscaping, the family was told the treehouse had to come down.

The family's plight quickly made national news.

The Sassins were featured Tuesday morning on Good Morning America and the Today show, where host Katie Couric said she hoped Brage would be allowed to keep his treehouse.

"I know we're not supposed to make editorial comments," Couric said, "but this is ridiculous."

As the day wore on and reporters from radio, television and newspapers appeared at the family's home, the stress began to take its toll.

At one point, Tammy Sassin was brought to tears by an anonymous caller who accused her of exploiting her son.

On Tuesday night, Omar Sassin said the family plans to get the necessary letter from an oncologist and to reclaim some privacy.

For the hundreds of supportive phone calls, faxes and e-mail they have received on Brage's behalf, Sassin said, the family is grateful.

"I want him to realize that there's a lot of people who really love him."

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