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

Rockstar Volunteer: Ashley Frolich

Ashley Frolich is an excellent volunteer who continually shines at every instance while at Family House. As a student at the University of San Francisco, Ashley majors in psychology and wants to eventually become a child and family counselor, and she is off to an incredible start.

Both inside and outside of Family House, Ashley has displayed extraordinary leadership. She is dependable, friendly, outgoing, and motived, with a strong desire to help families. These attributes truly shined through her work at the Family House Fall Fest Gala. She proved to be indispensable as a volunteer leader, directing and managing other volunteers and making it an unforgettable night.

Ashley has been a remarkable asset to the Family House volunteer team. She understands the essences of the house and how the families and team function. When families or staff need additional support, Ashley is always able to bring her extraordinary skills to the table. She can work independently, yet at the same time, she can skillfully manage individual volunteers, volunteer groups, and volunteer activities. We are so fortunate to benefit from her enthusiasm, kindness, and abilities. 

Thank you so much, Ashley, for your determination, your creativity, and the care you give to the families and staff. Family House sincerely appreciates you. We look forward to seeing you succeed in your future endeavors, and you continue to make a valuable impact on all of us at Family House. 

Fall Fest Gala Recap

The 37th Annual Family House Gala, Fall Fest, held on October 27, 2018 at the Westin St. Francis Hotel raised more than $1 million to help families of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses! Co-chaired by Nancy Grand and Susan Mall, and honoring Okta for Good, Fall Fest was the most successful Family House Gala to date, and will help Family House serve its mission of providing free, temporary housing for 4,000 children and families as they undergo treatment at the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in the coming year. Special thanks to all of our committee members, sponsors, and donors who helped make this an amazing night!

Watch the video to re-live all the excitement: https://youtu.be/ZeOci0ptqws

Family Story: Natasha’s Fight

Four days before her 12^th birthday, Natasha Anderson was diagnosed with osteosarcoma – a bone cancer – in her right leg. 

 “It was hard, watching all my friends doing their hair and their eyebrows, and I didn’t have any eyebrows OR hair, and it was sad and embarrassing, and I felt ugly at times. But you just stay strong and do the little things that make you feel good. You’ve just got to keep moving forward, and stay positive, and try to be surrounded by positive, supportive, motivating people. 

“Family House made my cancer experience (which was horrible and sad and depressing) that much better. How can something like Family House make this better?  It was really cool to have a place like Family House to come to. When you come here, you’re not judged. And being a part of Family House, it’s like a family. We’re not related, and everyone’s different, but everybody has a good heart. It’s great to come here, and feel comfortable, and know that you’ll be alright. If you need some help, there’s somebody here who will help you.

“We basically had to live in San Francisco for a year and a half while I was going through chemo. My mom had to quit her job and stay with me in the hospital every single day. We couldn’t have done it without Family House.

“And now, 13 years later, I’m thankful that I’ve made it through cancer, I beat it, and I was able to have 2 kids of my own. I’m thankful to have my life, and thankful to have Family House a part of it.”

Learn about how you can help fighters like Natasha at familyhouseinc.org

Volunteer Stories: Boswick the Clown

Boswick isn’t kidding around when it comes to his volunteer service at Family House - he takes clowning very seriously. He’s been entertaining kids and parents at Family House for over a decade with his goofy jokes, amazing tricks, and beautiful balloon animals. Hear from Boswick about all the ways he makes kids laugh, and why Family House is so important to him. https://youtu.be/im6Vh6FZN68

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