Testimonials
Nicole Ribbens
mother and volunteer host family
"My son had a few lengthy hospitalizations within his first year and we are lucky enough to live walking distance to the Children’s Hospital. During his recovery, I thought a lot about the other PICU families; are they from out-of-town? Where do they stay? What are their accommodations? When I was connected with C2C, I jumped at the chance to give back and to ease the care of patient families by offering up our spare bedroom.
As a volunteer host, I am able to provide a comfortable space for families outside of hospital life. A place to have a home-cooked meal and a long hot shower. Allowing them quiet time to refocus while still being available to their child’s medical team. These are basic needs that are often forgotten when you’re dealing with a sick child. And this is all community-powered. It requires the care of our neighbors and the generosity of local businesses to provide hospitality to patient families. This opportunity has a greater meaning to our family because we are so connected to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
When my son was diagnosed with Congenital Heart Defects, I felt very isolated. No one I knew had any experience with such a thing. Every step was a combination of brand new, unknown, and completely terrifying. But now, I can see that, through our struggle, we have built this servant-hearted community of support. I believe that C2C is another branch in that support network, a vehicle of service to those in need within our community, providing comfort to families in difficult situations. It can be hard to navigate all the details of your child’s complex care. C2C gives an opportunity for our community to make a positive difference by opening their homes and providing welcome to families in crisis."
Nurse Navigator
“As healthcare providers, we rely on families to provide comfort and support to their hospitalized loved ones. We also encourage them to practice self-care so they will be able to continue the support upon discharge. Having a guaranteed room to rest and refuel helps. Families of critically ill children have waited days and weeks for rooms to open up. They have also had to check out of a room due to reservations.”
Complex Care Manager
“Hospitality Housing is such a blessing for complex care patients and their families as it allows them the flexibility of an overnight stay at little expense. They are also able to connect with others in the similar circumstances for support and fellowship.”
Clinical Nursing Staff
"Hospitality housing is so hard to come by many families don't even try anymore. I see the frustrations of families and the time spent on finding a place to stay is often times more stressful than just staying at the bedside."
Meghan Raven
Mother and Board Member
"Having a child in the hospital is hard. As if life doesn’t throw enough at us, caring for a sick child is one obstacle, one brick wall after another. What a parent needs in such a time of struggle and uncertainty is a helping hand to clear a path.”
