"Never ever give up and do believe that everything finally leads to something good."
----- JW KNAPEN
Last night Christina and Marlee's sisters were able to stay at the JW House at Kaiser. It is such a great place for families allowing them to stay close to care for their loved ones in the hospital in a comfortable home-like setting. But beyond that, the story behind the JW House and what their intentions are, is amazing...
The JW HOUSE Story:
"At the age of 14, JW (Jan-Willem) Knapen had a normal life - he was a freshman in high school, played the bongos for choir, enjoyed drawing and sculpting, and was the loving big brother and oldest son of a close-knit Belgian family. But over Thanksgiving break in 2002, JW began to have seizures and was quickly diagnosed with three different brain tumors. Over the last two years, 16 year old JW Knapen showed courage and grace in his grueling fight against brain cancer, enduring surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
In April 2004, when a virulent, inoperable new brain tumor was discovered, JW decided to focus on how he might help others with medical struggles of their own. He envisioned building a house near the Kaiser Permanente Hospital, in Santa Clara, California, where families can stay with their loved ones during long hospitalizations. He wnted this house to be a place for brothers and sisters to talk quietly; a place for moms, dads, and grandparents to be able to eat together; a place to talk with other families that are facing similar challenges -- a place that feels like a "home-away-from-home".
With the help of his oncologist, Dr. Alan Wong, JW's dream has become a reality. JW's generous spirit and determination to make a better future for other families touched by illness, has been inspirational and humbling.
JW House is now open and welcomed the first family on Wednesday, December 3, 2008. The house is 5700 square feet and has 4 individual apartments; 2 studios and 2 one-bedroom suites, each with a kitchenette and full bath. It is situated on a 1/2 acre lot, on the Kaiser Permanente Hospital campus, in Santa Clara, California. In addition to the apartments, families can use the large common space area, which includes a living room, play room, dining room, laundry room and large kitchen. The house also has a day use room for showers and naps. It has a beautiful high ceiling design with lots of windows and a large central fireplace. Our house is surrounded with picturesque garden areas and space off of each apartment unit, for a semi-private patio/garden retreat. Our goal is to provide our families with a beautiful and restful place that feels like home."
Christina requested that I share this information with all of you. It is truly an amazing gift that was started with a courageous and determined young man that is providing many families a home-like place to rest comfortably and peacefully while caring for their loved ones in the hospital. And, I know that they are truly grateful to have received an accommodation, especially during the girls' spring break so Marlee is able to spend time with her sisters this week.
Please continue to share Marlee's donation website. Donations will also help with the costs of their JW House rooms. Thank you for the continued support and prayers!!
The Unknown Monster in Marlee Donation Website
To find out more about the JW House and how you can make donations to support the JW House, visit their website at:
JW HOUSE
No comments:
Post a Comment