Ryan House

Hope and Help have a new home...

A new resource for many Arizona children living with life-threatening conditions and their families opened on March 29, 2010 -- Ryan House.

Located in central Phoenix near Central and Thomas, Ryan House welcomes children with life-threatening conditions, and their families, for planned short-term breaks (respite stays). The cheerful house feels like a large, inviting family home, but includes special areas designed for children to participate in art, music, pet and warm water therapies. There is also a sensory room, computers and an accessible playground. The House is a place where children can enjoy childhood experiences, make new friends, and have plenty of time to play!

While even typical families often struggle to balance schedules between work, school, activities, and appointments, imagine, if possible, what that balance may look like for a family with NINE children, two of which have life-threatening conditions... One such family was able to benefit from Ryan House the first week of opening. Mom and dad brought their two children to Ryan House and spent the first day orienting the care team to each child’s likes, dislikes, special equipment, medication, exercise and positions and routines... and then returned home to prepare for an opportunity they would not otherwise have: to take their seven other children to Disneyland for spring break! The care team embraced the care of each child lovingly, continuing the care and routines that mom and dad would provide at home, and thought, "If these two aren’t able to go to Disneyland, then Disneyland will come to them!" Enter Mickey and Minnie, holding hands and sauntering through the hall, to a room filled with music, but more music came! As Mickey and Minnie walked around to face the little girl seated in her wheelchair, she amazed all in the room when she lifted and turned her head toward Minnie and squealed with delight! Making every moment count is what Ryan House is about, offering special moments to each and every child who comes to stay.

At Ryan House, a team of caring medical staff, including registered nurses and nurse assistants, care for the children, as their parents/caregivers typically do at home, while their parents take a much-needed break -- either while staying in one of the three family suites or perhaps during a short break out of town. Although respite care is the primary focus, Ryan House also provides pediatric palliative care (social, emotional, spiritual support and comfort care), from the time of the diagnosis through end-of-life, if needed. Pediatric palliative care provides support services while families may be seeking treatments or cures -- while they are still "hoping and fighting, and seeking a cure."

Modeled after more than 45 similar respite and palliative care homes for children throughout the world, Ryan House is the first of its kind in the southwest, and hopes to be a model for similar projects developing throughout the nation.

"After years of planning we are thrilled to open Ryan House to the public and start serving the community," said Nancy Martin, executive director of Ryan House. "This project has been so close to many of our hearts and it is so exciting to see it come to fruition."

Families may schedule up to 28 days of respite care annually at no set charge. Any child living in Arizona who is diagnosed with a life-threatening condition, and who is cared for at home, is eligible for services, regardless of whether they have health insurance. Families interested in scheduling respite may refer themselves by calling 602.200.0767 or may be referred by family, a physician or another medical professional who knows the child. A member of the Care Team will then contact the family to confirm medical eligibility and schedule a referral visit.

Knowing their children are in good hands, parents can take short breaks from the emotionally and physically exhausting round-the-clock care their children require at home. For parents who often feel so isolated from the rest of the world, this small gift of time with no responsibilities is not a luxury -- it’s a necessity. One parent whose child recently stayed reflected, "I feel like I can finally take a breath for the first time in six years..." Yes, hope and help have a new home.

Mission of Ryan House and How to Help

The mission of Ryan House is to provide essential care in a home-like setting where children with life-threatening conditions and their families will come for respite and, as needed, end-of-life care. All services at Ryan House are guided by the principles of palliative care. This philosophy of comfort care addresses not only the physical pain but also the emotional, spiritual, and social needs of the child and family. This enlightened approach to care is of critical importance, beginning at diagnosis and continuing throughout the entire course of a child's life and beyond.

Ryan House is an Arizona 501(c)(3) non-profit that was established in 2004 and is entirely supported by donations. "While cash donations are most helpful, in-kind donations are also welcomed," explains Martin.

"Ryan House has always been a grass-roots effort, and some of our fundraising efforts follow suit. The 2nd Annual Family Harvest Picnic, a spectacularly fun family event, will take place at the Arizona Biltmore on Sunday, October 17, 2010, and the 3rd Annual White Christmas Gala at the Arizona Biltmore on Saturday, December 11, 2010 is also not to be missed," emphasizes Martin.

"Supporters may also be interested in opportunities or other events that benefit Ryan House as well, such as the 2010 and 2011 Care Card program. Care Card has been such a significant fundraiser for Ryan House, that it earned The Board of Visitors naming rights in 2008. Care Card is really a win-win-win for the community. By purchasing a Care Card, you support Ryan House (100% of the card purchase through Ryan House or The Board of Visitors is donated to Ryan House), you receive a 20% discount at over 500 participating restaurants and retailers during Care Card shopping days (October 15th through October 24th in 2010), and you stimulate the economy at the same time!"

The International Furnishings and Design Association’s "Tableau" is another event that benefits Ryan House. The spectacular evening combines designing, dining, and gaming to benefit Ryan House. The evening is exquisite and is scheduled for Saturday, October 9, 2010 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

For more information about Ryan House, Care Card, and other special events please visit www.ryanhouse.org or call 602.200.0767.