David's House

What David's House Means to Me

When my daughter was in the hospital we stayed at an amazing place called David's House. This is a house where families can stay while their children are in CHAD. I was so relieved that we got a room at David's House. Leaving my baby every night was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Being at David's House made it a little bit easier. It took only five minutes to get from David's House back to the hospital.

Imagine your child being in the hospital and you have no place to eat, no place to sleep and no place to shower. David's House provided all of these things. 15 rooms are available for families to stay in. There is a large kitchen where food is provided and most nights volunteers would cook a hot meal for the families.

David's House brought together the families of the children in the hospital. It became a support system so that I didn't have to go through this experience alone. I met many other mom's and dad's who had babies in the ICN and it was a gift to be able to talk and vent to them and to support each other. Many of the families I still keep close contact with.

I remember one night, a group of volunteers came in and made tacos. My son and I sat with other families and enjoyed a family style supper together. I don't remember the conversation that night, but I remember everyone talking and laughing. I was a nice break from the stress at the hospital.


What I will be most thankful for about David's House is being able to have my son stay with me. My daughter was in the hospital for 11 weeks and that whole time he was able to be with me. I didn't have to choose between which child to be with. I was able to have my family together. And, my son was able to connect and bond with his new sister. It was hard enough to leave my baby, I didn't have the strength the leave my son too.

My son's favorite part about David's House was the playground! They have a great, big playground in their front yard. Most nights we would eat supper and then sit outside so he could play and be a kid. Everyone at David's House loved him and was so nice to him. He was very spoiled there! Always being given cookies or little treats from the staff.


There was always a feeling of hope at David's House. There was a peaceful, relaxing feeling whenever you were there. David's House was not just a place to stay, it became our family while my daughter was sick and it will now always be our family. I will always be thankful for David's House.

Play this video to hear the story and love of David's House.