My Nonprofit Reviews

In the course of just 2 days our lives were turned upside down when my 4 year old grandson, Thomas, was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma. The treatment plan included photon radiation and chemo. My daughter and son-in-law did some in-depth research and discovered the benefits of Proton therapy. So, they decided to leave Colorado and head to Houston for an eight-week regiment of Proton therapy. What a confusing time! It was like stepping off a cliff and hoping that you'd learn to fly asap.

Of course, finding housing in Houston was an immediate need and I began to contact apartment complexes and charity organizations. We were incredibly grateful and relieved when Jen responded within just a few hours and we ended up moving into our apartment at the Equinox the next day! We were absolutely stunned when we walked in the door... the apartment was beautiful and so much more than we could have ever imagined. It is an amazingly warm and therapeutic space and we immediately felt at home. The Shelter for Cancer Families organization had thought of everything from "starter food" to games to books to artwork and more. On February 14 after an especially grueling day at the hospitals, we arrived home to a Valentine's day celebration! The apartment was decorated for the holiday and there were cards from area children, flowers, plates/napkins, and the most gorgeous cake that we had ever seen! The whole experience left us in tears.

Tomorrow is Thomas's final Proton Treatment that will include the ceremonial ringing-of-the-Gong, which is a lovely tradition at the Proton Center. And guess who is going to be there to help us celebrate?? yep, Jen and a crew of her volunteers! What an incredibly thoughtful way to honor Thomas!

In a couple of days we will begin the long journe back to Colorado. And, we will be leaving Houston a little bit wiser and stronger for what is still to come. We can't thank Jen and the Shelter for Cancer Families enough for caring for us during this stressful time. They absolutely have helped to give us the wings that we'll need for the next part of our journey. Thank you from the bottom of hearts!!