JW House 2013:
 5 Years of Keeping Families Together

 

On Thanksgiving, ten years ago, our lives changed forever. Until that day, we had lived the perfect life: we were grateful for being blessed with four beautiful, healthy children, we were appreciative for Geert's good job, and we were thankful for the genuine love that reigned our family. And then, out of the blue, everything changed and our lives would never be the same again: one day JW was a healthy freshman in high school; the next day he was dying with brain cancer...

Somehow, our family managed to survive. When I reflect upon it, I realize we were very blessed with Oma and Opa (my parents) who flew over from Belgium every time JW was hospitalized or needed 24/7 care and we certainly had a lot of friends who cooked meals for us, made sure our other children still had their birthday parties and fun days, and we also had JW who cared for us as much as we cared for him and who gave his life - no matter how short - a new purpose: in the midst of surgery, chemo, and radiation, during long hospital stays or days in his wheelchair, he taught us what families in our situation really needed and we embraced his dream - building a Home Away From Home - with enthusiasm and passion. My husband Geert and I, our children, our friends here and in Belgium, the schools of our children, our caring community, we all stepped up, and as the dream spread, more and more people from all over - people like you - gave their time, their heart, their money. This is why, when my mind goes back to the darkest days of our lives, I do wipe a tear, but even more, I smile: JW brought out the best in all of us and that translated directly into the House of his dreams, the JW House.

JW died in 2005 but his vision for the JW House never did. Next year, JW House will blow out five candles and I know that what the folks at JW House do, what YOU do, is exactly what he had in mind: with over fifty volunteers, Jill, April, Alicia, Diana and our Board of Directors, provide Hope, Hospitality, and Healing to everybody who knocks on our door during the health crisis of a loved one in the hospital. Every time I help out at JW House, or when I just stop by, I smile: our guests feel at home at JW House; our guests are served real home-style cooked meals; our guests can play or talk just like they would play or talk at home; our guests can take a relaxing break under the shower the same way they would in their shower at home. And, yes, the list goes on...

As you all know, the cost of living is high, for any family. This is no different for the JW House family. Therefore, I want to ask you, during this time of year when giving back is what it is all about, please consider making a donation to JW's dream; please keep JW House in mind. Building JW House was possible thanks to you; keeping JW House up and running and expanding the dream (because, yes, there is a need for that!) also is only possible with your help.

Thank You - in the name of the Knapen family; in the name of the JW House family!

Anne Marie Knapen-Asnong aka JW's mother

To Donate to JW House, click here or by phone 408-246-2224 or mail checks payable to JW House 3850 Homestead Road Santa Clara, CA 95051.

Thank you for your support!