When a child needs specialized medical care, traveling far from home adds an extra layer of stress and financial burden to an already challenging time. At HOSTS for HOSPITALS, our mission is simple yet transformative: to provide Patient-families with a warm, affordable ‘home away from home’ by connecting them with compassionate local Hosts throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.
Recently, we had the privilege of witnessing a beautiful bond form between Hosts Bill and Lynda and their international guests, Alexandra and her 10-year-old daughter, Shana.
A Journey for Healing from Ecuador to Philadelphia
When Shana was just one year and eight months old, her mother Alexandra began searching for specialized care for Shana’s hand and foot issues. That opportunity came through multiple trips for reconstructive surgeries performed by the world-class medical team at the Shriners Hospital of Philadelphia.
Leaving their home in Ecuador, Alexandra and Shana recently traveled again to Philadelphia for a critical five-week period of medical treatment. While traveling to a new country for surgeries can feel overwhelming, having a comfortable, caring place to stay transformed their journey into something incredibly positive.
Overcoming Language Barriers with Love
During these five weeks, Alexandra and Shana were welcomed into the home of Bill and Lynda.
Although these Guests and Hosts did not speak a common language, through their shared living experience, deep connections were made. Over shared meals, daily routines, and quiet moments of recovery, the language barrier quickly faded, replaced by mutual warmth, care, and understanding. What started as a temporary housing match turned into a truly loving extended family!
In a heartfelt message during her stay, Alexandra shared:
“We are very grateful to Bill and Linda. They really are very special people. What I would like to say to you is that we are very grateful—and with all my heart, we hope that many more people will join this beautiful program.”
How You Can Make a Difference
Alexandra and Shana’s story is just one of many happening in our region every day. Thousands of Patient-families travel to Philadelphia each year for lifesaving and life-changing medical care. By providing any type of housing–a spare bedroom, in-law suite, cottage, home or apartment while away–Hosts provide vital peace of mind and comfort when Patient-families need it most.
You don’t need a foreign language skill or a massive estate to change a Patient-family’s life—just a spare room and an open heart.
Ready to open your heart and home?
Learn how easy and flexible it is to become a Host–lodge who you want, when you want, for how long you want–by visiting hostsforhospitals.org/LearnMore/!