Holiday Giving at Family House

Holiday Giving at Family House
Family House is a home away from home for families of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. When families travel to San Francisco for their child’s medical treatment, Family House becomes their community and extended family. Being away from home can be especially difficult during the holidays, but you can help make the holidays bright for a family in need.

Donate Toys, Teen Gifts & Gift Cards

* Toys for children of all ages, such as: Books, puzzles, stuffed animals, board games, arts & crafts kits, remote control toys, STEM toys

* Electronic toys that are rechargeable or don’t require batteries

* Teen gifts such as: MP3 players, headphones, SD cards, makeup and nail kits, sports related items, adult coloring books, Playstation 4 games, DVDs

* $25 gift cards to Target and Safeway to be used by families for holiday gifts and essentials

* Toys and gifts should value from $25-$50 each

* View our wish list on Amazon Smile

* Send donations to "Santa" at Family House, 540 Mission Bay Blvd., North, San Francisco, CA 94158

* Questions? Please contact Anoushka Donnelley at (415) 502-5640

* Click here to download the Secret Santa info sheet

Give Financially

* All services at Family House are 100% free of charge to all families

* Families stay for as long as their child is receiving medical treatment

* Monetary donations provide direct family support through our meal program, support groups, music therapy program, Fozzy’s Toy Room, and in many more ways

* Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to Family House

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Go gold this September in support of kids battling childhood cancer! In the United States, more than 15,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer each year. The most complicated cases are referred to major children’s hospitals like the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco, which means that families are often far from home for extended periods of time while their child receives treatment.

Family House provides a home away from home for these families, and becomes a center of community and family for those who are away from their usual support networks. Every family has a clean, comfortable bedroom with a private bathroom, and shares a communal kitchen, living, and dining spaces. Staff and volunteers host breakfast every morning, and volunteer groups regularly host dinners for all Family House guests. We help fill hours outside of the hospital with fun activities like therapy dog visits, arts and crafts, music therapy, movie nights, and playtime on our 9,000 square foot courtyard.

Only those who have a critically-ill child can really understand what it’s like - there are stresses beyond stresses: doctor’s appointments, hospital stays, uncertainty about your child’s health and future; medical copays, travel expenses, lost wages; supporting siblings, and self-care. The families at Family House “get it,” and support each other through good times and bad. It’s one of the most important aspects of our mission - community care.

Every family stays for free at Family House for as long as they need; but it is not without cost. It costs Family House $150 per night for a family to stay with us; we are entirely supported through private donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Make a difference for a family going through the most difficult time of their lives: give a gift now.

Book Review: When Your Child is Sick, A Guide to Navigating the Practical and Emotional Challenges of Caring for a Child Who is Very Ill

Book Review: “When Your Child is Sick, A Guide to Navigating the Practical and Emotional Challenges of Caring for a Child Who is Very Ill” Written by Joanna Breyer, PhD

I had the great pleasure of meeting Joanna Breyer last month as she toured Family House.  She was in town as she put it, “to see that this book of hers landed in the hands of the people who would benefit from it the most.”  Ms. Breyer is a psychologist who has worked with children with cancer and their families for over 25 years at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital. This book is meant to serve as a comprehensive guide for families navigating the most uncertain and difficult circumstances of having a child diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.  She informed me that she intends for the book to be used as a resource guide; as different parts of the book will be relevant to families at different times. The book is presented in three sections.  Part I is on treatment, which includes everything from entering into the medical world, to coping techniques, being a parent to your other children, medications, to stem cell transplants and sibling as donors.  Part II discusses survivorship.  She writes about surviving Cancer, dealing with the emotional effects of a serious childhood illness, healthy living, and transitioning to adult medical care.  In a very compassionate tone, Part III addresses the topic of when your child’s treatment does not work.

Ms. Breyer’s decades of experience and dedication to the families and children she has worked with throughout her career is felt on every page.  It just might be one of those books that finds a home on your shelf to refer to as you manage the multiple practical and emotional complexities of this unimaginably difficult time in your life.  I highly recommend it.

This book review was written by Family House Social Worker Elan Slavin, MSW, as a resource we recommend. It can be purchased here:  https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/0147517583/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

A Letter to Family House

January 16, 2019

Kneeland, California

Dear Family House families, staff, and friends,

Happy new year! Since my son finished a three and a half-year course of treatment for leukemia last September, I’ve had some time to reflect on what Tristan and our family went through during that period, and what that period, much of it spent at Family House, means to me. I wanted to share my thoughts with you.

First things first: I have no regrets. Of course, if I were given the choice, I would choose for my toddler son to not develop leukemia. I’d be a nutter otherwise. But I didn’t get to make that choice, and there are lots of things in my life that are not the way they would have been if we had not been through all that we went through. They’re better. Tristan and I share a wonderful closeness; I’m a different person from the one I was before, more confident and willing to take on new challenges that would have been prohibitively intimidating before; and I now have in my life a group of incredible friends whom I would not otherwise have met. Most of these people – warrior moms and warrior kids, I call them – I met at Family House.

Sitting around the dining table at the old Family House in the Sunset District, and later in the sunny, new Mission Bay kitchens, one by one I met people – parents and kids – who were so bravely toughing it out through the most horrendous experiences you can imagine. I saw such love from parents, for example when teenage Bianca’s father stood protectively behind her chair while she told me the story of her double lung transplant. It was like he needed to be as near to her as possible to guard her while she replayed the story, and, if you heard the story, that would make sense. Bianca, you are one tough chick. I felt such kindness from parents who, in solidarity over the fear and uncertainty we faced every day, shared their love with me – I’ll never forget those delicious enchiladas that Kristina, Ivan’s mom, fed me one night. Thank you, Kristina, for your warmth and generosity, and for your husband’s salsa, which was amazing. I saw such strength in warrior moms who were fighting for their kids with every neutrophil and platelet in their mama bodies, and who were finding creative ways to make it all okay. Coco, those henna designs covering your daughter’s bald head were stunning; I’ve never seen anything like it.

I learned and grew with each warrior mom and warrior kid I met, and I’m not the same person I was when Tristan and I began this whole adventure. I know much more about how people suffer, but, more importantly, I know much more about how strong people, including me, can be, and about how much love is out there, and that there is a lot of good in the universe. Thanks, Family House, for connecting me with others who taught me these things.

Much love,

Toni

Family Stories video: Natasha’s Journey

Natasha looks back at the 14 years that she’s been coming to Family House since her successful cancer treatment in 2004 at the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. Hear what Family House has meant for her recovery.  https://youtu.be/o9HuQwjSIeM

YPAC's Childhood Cancer Awareness Fundraiser

The Family House Young Professionals Advisory Council is raising funds for Family House in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Every two minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer - about 300,000 kids worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year. Family House provides a no-cost home away from home for families of children battling cancer at the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. Watch their video at https://youtu.be/FdpT-L6PZhU or make a donation today

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Family House was founded by Dr. Art Ablin, one of the fathers of pediatric oncology. His vision to create a compassionate, supportive home away from home for families of children fighting cancer is a reality thanks to private donations from supporters like you. Make a difference today: give.familyhouseinc.org

Family Stories: Veronica’s Story

Family House Family Stories: Sharing the brave and inspiring stories of families of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. When baby Tucker was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, he was rushed to the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital for treatment. Tucker’s mom, Veronica, shares how Family House has helped her family cope with a life-threatening illness, and how our supportive community keeps them going.

https://youtu.be/KCUi_SBFtiw

Summer High School Volunteer Program Wrap-up

Each summer, Family House hosts a group of 15 high school volunteers who participate in activities and complete projects benefiting our families. We had students this year from George Washington, Lowell, Marin Academy, Lick-Wilmerding, Abraham Lincoln, Mercy, San Ramon Valley, St. Ignatius, Design Tech, and Oceana high schools - what a great mix! During each weekly session, in their activities in the house, students meet families and other volunteers. On the first day of the program, students met a family and heard their touching story, and were able to ask questions about treatment, travel, and life at Family House, all to better understand the people who would benefit from their service throughout the summer.

Every week, students also had the opportunity to interact with Family House staff from each department, hearing them speak about their roles within the organization, and how their department supports the overall functions of Family House. These presentations might help guide students as they consider their own future careers.

This year’s students (Ella, Madeline, Olivia, Mimoh, Jake, Shannen, Fion, Hailey, Nathan, Riley, Zoe, Dante, Lucy, Crystal, and Sean) were outstanding, and accomplished numerous fun projects for the families, including: decorating the house in preparation for the 4th of July festivities; hosting a pizza party and game night, including Bingo (with prizes for everyone); and hosting a cupcake baking & decorating activity. Each activity provided enjoyment and entertainment for the families going through a very difficult time.

The Summer High School Volunteer Program is so important to Family House: these young, service-minded, focused students use their talents to uplift our kids and families, while giving volunteers the opportunity to serve their community and those in need. One participant said, “It’s honestly just very humbling to see that small actions of love and care can make such a difference in somebody’s life.”  And we want to thank all those who participated this year!





From all of us at Family House, thank you! 


Karen Banks, Director of Volunteer Programs
Tarence Dixon, Volunteer Coordinator

Black Tag Bags Fundraiser

Veronica Coleman is a Family House mom and the proprietor of Black Tag Bags, and recently organized a fundraiser (one of several she’s already done!) for Family House.

What is your connection to Family House?
Family House has been my second home since Jan 2017, while our 20 month old son, Tucker, received cancer treatment at UCSF.

Tell us about your most recent fundraiser for Family House.
Black Tag Bags are handmade all-purpose bags (shopping, lunch, and handbags). Each bag is unique and I try to use reclaimed fabric as much as possible. I started making them just before Tucker was diagnosed and it was put on hold until last month. I started making and selling the bags to friends and family, then started a facebook page where bags can be purchased. I release new bags each week, and take custom orders. The bags are still in high demand and I was excited to sell out my first few weeks.

Why did you decide to help raise money for Family House?
I decided to give $2 of each bag sold to Family House simply because I can not repay Family House enough for what they have done for my family. I plan to donate $2 of every Black Tag Bag sold forever.

Do you make anything in addition to bags?
I use the wrappers from a years worth of broviac flush supplies to make crinkle squares for UCSF Pediatric Units. (Yes, I saved them, I’m BIG on recycling and the waste of medical supplies drove me nuts, so I came up with an idea to repurpose.) I have a goal to make one for every bag I sell.  (Watch the video to see how crinkly they are!)



What would you say to encourage others who are thinking of doing a fundraiser for Family House or another charity that they care about?
Every dollar counts. Facebook and social media sites make it easy to set up fundraisers. Or if you see a need, just put it out there, ask, and people will help. (Sometimes an ask for specific items, like kitchen supplies, as some people feel more comfortable donating a needed item, rather than just cash.) I think most people would rather donate to a cause that they can see the immediate results of, and our friends and family have seen first hand what Family House has done for us. 


From all of us at Family House, thank you, Veronica!

Family Stories: Shasta's Girls

Family House Family Stories: Sharing the brave and inspiring stories of families of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. This story features Shasta, mom to Ireland, a cancer survivor, and Mia, a transplant recipient. Shasta and her family have stayed at Family House while both girls have undergone treatment at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Hear from Shasta what Family House means to them, and how they get through the challenges of having two children with life-threatening illnesses.

K-PAX Racing / Family House Day at Sonoma Raceway

Check out this great video about the K-PAX Racing/Family House partnership, and the awesome Pirelli World Challenge Championship race day at Sonoma Raceway!

See photos from the race day at facebook.com/familyhousesanfrancisco

Remembering Dr. Arthur Ablin

We at Family House mourn the loss of Dr. Art Ablin, beloved Co-Founder of our organization and a true visionary.

Art was Professor Emeritus at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, where he served as Chief of Pediatric Oncology, and was a leader in his field. Art was both a general pediatrician and pediatric oncologist who treated scores of young patients since the 1950s, as well as a friend and mentor to countless folks lucky enough to know him. Among his many good works is the creation of Family House in 1981, which started because of his vision and commitment to all families whose children face cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Out of a desire to provide family-centered care in partnership with UCSF, Art’s vision was to provide free housing and basic needs for the families of seriously ill young patients. In the 1980s, Art noticed many of his young patients’ family members sleeping in their cars or in hospital waiting rooms, unable to pay for a hotel. “Family House was set up as cost-free place for families to stay, but also as a center based very much on communal experience, so these families could share with each other what they were going through,” Art said.

In 1981, Art and others raised nearly $500,000 to buy housing from the Mormon Church that sat adjacent to the UCSF Children’s Hospital (later UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital), with the intention of providing housing for patients’ families. With the opening of the new Nancy and Stephen Grand Family House, Debbie and Art Ablin have ensured that families will always have a home to turn to when patients need medical attention in San Francisco.

While Art was a highly regarded physician and internationally sought-after speaker on the topic of pediatric hematology, his compassion and unwavering dedication to children and families at Family House for the past 36 years has produced a model of community that we celebrate this day and every day of the year. Those of us who had the unbelievable pleasure of working with Art since Family House was founded 36 years ago know that his talent, passion, wisdom, humor, and loving spirit infuse every aspect of our organization and the work we do for kids and families. Art’s inherent talent for nurturing what is best in us will live on as we are inspired by his values and humanity.

From all of us and the thousands of families that have stayed at Family House, we will remember Art with the great respect and love that he gave so freely to others.

We are so lucky to have known him and will miss him deeply.

Family Stories: Paula’s Family

Watch the latest Family House Families Story: Paula's Family - our first "then and now" video:

Rockstar Volunteer: Kalmia Beets

Kalmia Beets has excelled as a Volunteer Leader at Family House these past seasons. In the summer of 2016, she was able to pursue her interest in volunteering at Family House.   As a student at University of San Francisco, Kalmia majors in Child Psychology/Pre-med.  Her interests are dancing, baking, cooking, sewing, and outdoor sports and activities.

 When Kalmia was young, she lived at a Ronald McDonald House.  As such, she has been able to give her unique awareness of what families face during treatment away from home.  Kalmia understands that having a system of support surrounded by a strong community and a “place to call home” is an essential part of recovery and the essence of Family House.

Kalmia has been a remarkable asset to the Family House volunteer team. She understands the workflow of the house and how the team operates. When the volunteer team needs support, Kalmia is always able to bridge the gap. She can work independently, yet at the same time, she can skillfully manage individual volunteers, volunteer groups, and volunteer activities - without hesitation. 

We want to thank Kalmia Beets for being an outstanding Volunteer Leader and being part of what makes Family House so special.

She continues to make a valuable impact on all of us at Family House. 
We appreciate her drive, her compassion, and her courage.

Learn more about volunteering at Family House at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer

Cabernet for Connoisseurs 2017

The 22nd Annual Cabernet for Connoisseurs event is Family House’s biggest annual fundraiser. This year, over 350 guests joined 59 pouring vintners to have fun and raise money for Family House! Thank you to everyone who made this memorable night possible - all of the attendees, the donors, the volunteers, and naturally, all of the vintners! We are so lucky to have such an incredibly generous, supportive community, and some of the best wine in the world right in our own back yard. Lots more photos at facebook.com/FamilyHouseSanFrancisco

Buster Posey Meet & Greet

Thank you to our friends at the San Francisco Giants for arranging an awesome meet and greet with Buster Posey at AT&T Park! Families got to spend some time with Buster and Kristen asking questions, signing autographs, and taking pictures, and then got to see the walk off win against the Phillies in incredible third baseline seats! So cool!

Family House Family Stories: Goodbye from Irma and Santiago

Watch the latest Family House Family Stories video - Goodbye from Irma and Santiago. They've been staying with us for several years, and after this last good checkup, Santi is officially a cancer survivor, and they don't need to come back for checkups at UCSF anymore. We'll miss you guys!

http://www.familyhouseinc.org

The San Francisco Chronicle profiles Family House

Wonderful article in The San Francisco Chronicle about the new Nancy and Stephen Grand Family House: http://m.sfgate.com/health/article/New-Family-House-unveiled-as-housing-for-young-6866723.php

Meet Quincy

Meet Quincy, a Family House client and CONQUEROR OF CANCER!

Without Family House, Quincy's family would have had no place to stay for months when she needed intensive outpatient chemotherapy. Without Family House, Quincy's mom would not have felt the loving arms of a "family" that knows what it's like to have a child with cancer. Without Family House, Quincy would be an isolated, sick little girl without the companionship of new friends she has made staying here. Without Family House, Quincy might not have beaten cancer. Congratulations Q on your first day of kindergarten this year, and cheers to many, MANY milestones in your future!

Donate today to help kids like Quincy beat cancer: http://familyhouseinc.org/happyholidays2015