For families who have a child with a life-threatening condition, everyday life is a challenge. The stress that accompanies providing 24/7 care while simultaneously trying to manage a household, a marriage, other children and a job is overwhelming and many families fall apart due to a lack of support, understanding and time-off. Ryan House provides respite, or a short break, while also supporting families through end-of-life care for children whose journey is sadly coming to an end.
Before Ryan House, families had no one to turn to for care and support not only their child with a life-threatening condition, but each member of their family. It’s estimated that more than 5,000 Arizona families may be eligible to take advantage of the services provided by Ryan House. Because Ryan House is funded solely by charitable contributions, all of the services are available at no cost to the family so that all children in need have access without regard to the ability to pay
Ryan House provides respite and palliative care to children with life-threatening conditions and, as needed, end-of-life care. It addresses the needs of each family member of a child with a life-threatening condition, which before have not been met, by providing support, education and respite opportunities. Children have the opportunity to participate in therapies that enhance their quality of life and families are provided with the chance to connect with similar families.
Ryan House projects to be serving 250 families in the next year. Any child living in Arizona with a life-threatening condition and who is cared for at home is eligible for services at Ryan House. It is estimated that 85 percent of the children qualifying for services at Ryan House reside in the Greater Phoenix Metro area. Ryan House welcomes families from underserved and low-income communities regardless of ethnicity or insurance status.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
