The “average” guest stays at Kiwanis Family House for about 3 days, stays only one time and we never see them again because their family medical emergency has been resolved. Other guests stay with us over and over as their medical crisis may take longer and require one or more follow up visits or surgeries. This is the story of two of those families. SEAN Sean lives in Texas. In March of 2015, Sean and his wife, Marilyn were visiting their son in Placerville, awaiting the arrival of their grandchild. Sean became ill and was brought … [Read more...]
Lorrie’s Story | Charlie Bussey
As I write this, it is Thursday. Earlier this week, on Monday morning, one of our guests stuck her head inside the office door, handed Dan and me some bookmarks she had made from beads and me and said, “ I just want you to know what a wonderful place this is. Your staff is so understanding and kind. I don’t know what I would have done without this place.” Dan and I looked at each other and I said, “I think there is a story here.” Our guest looked at my Starbucks coffee cup and said, “It’ll cost you something from Starbucks with chocolate … [Read more...]
Gordon’s Story
Gordon Storey has a story to tell. It is a story of true friendship and perseverance against difficult obstacles. It is a story of heartache and joy. Gordon Storey is a retired minister. In his ministerial postings he has served in many churches. One of these churches is located in Mt. Shasta, California. If you have ever traveled north on Interstate 5 to Oregon, you have passed by majestic Mt. Shasta. You may have blinked and missed its small town namesake. While in Mt. Shasta, Gordon and his wife, Linda came to know and became … [Read more...]
Clara Nichols’ Story | Charlie Bussey
On September 26, 2016, Lethesia Guzman and her fiancé were traveling on Interstate 80 crossing the Yolo Causeway (a long, elevated bridge) between West Sacramento and Davis. They were involved in a minor fender bender and were pulled off to the side of the narrow causeway. They exited the car and were standing in front of it, talking to the California Highway Patrol dispatcher, when they were rear-ended by an Uber driver in a Prius. Lethesia’s fiancé saw what was happening and immediately put his arms around Lethesia to protect her. … [Read more...]
The House Kiwanis Built
The October issue of Kiwanis Magazine featured an 8-page story about our Kiwanis Family House, which included two guest family profiles. We could not think of a better way to tell the story of 'The House Kiwanis Built' than through the moving words of our guest families. Sandra and her family were one of the families featured in the story. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Anthony, Mark, Karissa, and all their family and friends for the loss of a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, and friend. May she forever Rest in Peace. Read the … [Read more...]
Sandra Gantt’s Story
We first met Sandra Gantt during the 2012 holiday season, shortly after she was diagnosed with leukemia. Sandra was in the last trimester of her pregnancy. Doctors at UC Davis Medical Center carefully coordinated her cancer and prenatal care. A healthy daughter, Karissa, was born on December 27, 2012. The family remained at Kiwanis Family House through the end of January 2013. After two years in remission, Sandra’s leukemia returned. Calendar year 2015 has seen her in and out of UC Davis Medical Center for blood transfusions and … [Read more...]
Ankit Bhuta’s Story
Ankit Bhuta came to the U.S. from Mumbai, India to attend flight school. After passing his courses, he needed hours on his flight log, a quest that took him to Stockton, California. On September 7, 2015, Ankit was riding on the back of a motorcycle being driven by one of his classmates. The classmate decided to race a Porsche 911 on a two-lane road. As their speed increased to 100 miles-per-hour, Ankit felt his helmet slide toward the top of his head. As he reached up to secure the helmet, he slipped off the back of the motorcycle, landing … [Read more...]
AJ’s Story
AJ was brought to the UCD Medical Center from Anderson CA in August 2001 for leukemia treatments. She was in the hospital for three weeks. AJ was notified on September 11, 2001 that she was in remission. Today, AJ is a lovely wife and mother enjoying life to the fullest. … [Read more...]
Charlie’s Story
Julie Davis’ Story about Charlie... The last three years have not been easy for young mom Julie Davis. In December 2009, Julie went in for a routine ultrasound appointment at 29 weeks pregnant when it was detected that her water had broken. Concerned for her health as well as her baby’s, her doctor flew her from Redding to Sacramento to give birth to her premature son at UC Davis Medical Center. Hours later when Charlie Wagner was born, he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid inside the brain which is … [Read more...]
Kenny Smith’s Story
Kenny Smith of Portola, California had no idea of the battle he would face when diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease in September of 2010. At one point, blood clots in his lungs and legs nearly killed him, but thankfully, after treatment, Kenny went into remission. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the end of Kenny’s cancer story. In November 2012, he was diagnosed with a second cancer, HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer affecting is throat, tonsils, and tongue, which is believed to have been activated when his immune system was damaged by the … [Read more...]