A Place for Healing and Family
From January 2004 Newsletter

Early June is the time of year where many of us are working in the garden, making plans for summer vacations, looking forward to a few months spent outdoors or getting ready for a father's day cookout.

Such was the case with the Kane family of Syracuse, New York. However, for Lisa, Sean and their children, this father's day would be like none other.

Sean had recently been diagnosed with a rare form of appendix cancer - an aggressive disease that required a treatment that was only available through a specialist at Roswell Park.

So Lisa and Sean did what they had to do - head to Buffalo for treatment. But before leaving for Buffalo, Lisa spoke with a family member familiar with Hospital Hospitality Houses. Lisa's sister-in-law put them in touch with Kevin Guest House, and when the Kane's arrived with their children the House staff was ready and waiting for them.

"I could not believe that the staff was familiar with our story when we arrived," commented Lisa. "The fact that they cared enough to learn about our family and why we were visiting Buffalo helped put our minds at ease - and allowed us to focus our energies on getting Sean healthy."

In normal circumstances, the Kanes would have received one of the guest rooms in the main house. However, as luck would have it, an apartment was available for the family.

Which was perfect, because the Kanes have twins. And they're three years old.

"Obviously, it was difficult leaving home for two-and-a-half weeks," said Lisa. "But it was only more challenging because our twins are three years old and always on the go."

Before they knew it, the family had adjusted to life at Kevin Guest House. Lisa continued, "the twins had room to play, Sean and I could relax in the garden while enjoying a beautiful summer evening…the setting and the staff made our time in Buffalo the best it could be given the situation."

Kevin Guest House's proximity to Roswell Park was also a big help for the Kanes. "The location of the House is perfect - we didn't have to worry about traveling back and forth, and that was such a relief when confronting a family health crisis," said Lisa.

Sean's prognosis so far is good. His treatment in Buffalo went well and he and Lisa are scheduled to return to Buffalo in the Fall for follow-up care.

"What the staff at Kevin Guest House does is so important to the healing process, and I want them to know how meaningful their mission is to families like ours," said Lisa. "Without the help of Kevin Guest House, we would have been forced to look into other lodging arrangements that were beyond our budget and not practical for us. Kevin Guest House allowed our family to stay together during this difficult time, focusing our energies on getting Sean back to health," concluded Lisa.

"It's comforting to know we have friends we can count on in Buffalo."

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