MEMBER PORTAL
Refer A Family
A Space for Socializing
“If the Center had not been there, what would his life be?”
Gabe Lynn, now aged 4, was born prematurely and spent his first 79 days in the hospital, putting him at greater risk of infection.
For his parents, Michael and Noelle, almost three months in intensive care left them exhausted and with many questions, including how they would find fun for their precious and sociable son — without compromising his health.
The Lynns got connected with the West Michigan Center through Noelle’s therapist, as she was trying to find social outlets that wouldn’t put their family at risk. Gabe has participated in many programs since joining the Center, including preschool, which helps keep kids on track with their social and developmental goals.
Recently, the family’s pediatrician told them without the Center, Gabe would have been so sick and far behind in social skills because of the necessary isolation.
“All the parents who attend the Center have a similar mindset,” Michael said. “They view not just the cost to them but to others if they expose their child to germs. If Gabe had been at a regular preschool, he would have been living at the hospital.”
Between dealing with huge medical bills and the stigma around medical complexities, the Center offers a stress-free space without the worry of another expense or health risk.
“The safe environment of the Center is one of the reasons Gabe has been able to continue his enthusiasm and joy,” Noelle said. “It has been a huge lifesaver.”
A space for siblings
For the Sennes, the Southeast Michigan Center has been beneficial for their entire family. Renee and her husband, Mark, have three children: Elaina, 12, Ethan, 10, and Brayden, 9.
A year ago, Brayden was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and underwent weekly rounds of treatment. The time spent in the hospital left not only Brayden struggling to cope but his siblings as well.
“People don’t realize how having a sick sibling affects you,” Renee said. “People at the hospital are always wonderful to Brayden, but it’s rare the siblings are included. The Center makes them feel just as prioritized.”
All Center programing is open to both the qualifying child and their siblings, whose needs can take a back burner as a family manages the complexities of a medical diagnosis. For the Sennes, even if Brayden isn’t attending, his siblings are happy to attend.
“Ethan suffers from bad anxiety, so the Center has been a blessing and a benefit for him,” Renee said. “He’s been able to make friends, connect with the volunteers and feel safe.”
When Brayden’s blood count level became so low this summer, the family could barely leave the house. Attending summer camps at the Center was a welcomed reprieve.
“Without the Center, we would have done nothing some weeks this summer. I want everyone to know it’s a blessing, not just to the qualifying child, but also to the siblings and the parents.
“I’m shouting it from the rooftops: The Children’s Healing Center has made a lot of hard days easier!”
Will you support Good. Clean. Fun.?
Join us in giving the gift of relief, the gift of fun, the gift of play. Your support helps families like the Lynns and Sennes enjoy the Children’s Healing Center – and all the healing power it brings – at no cost to them. Please consider a gift today!
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