By Susan Kricun
Imagine being a parent faced with the responsibility of caring for a child who has a life-limiting condition. Each day brings an endless stream of medical appointments, therapies, and an overwhelming weight of emotional, physical, and mental demands. This is the reality for many Arizona families who care for children with medically complex needs. For these families, a moment of respite can feel like a lifeline, and that’s where Ryan House, a Phoenix-based nonprofit, steps in. Just in time for the Thanksgiving season, when thoughts turn to gratitude and giving back, it’s important to shine a light on the extraordinary work happening at Ryan House—and how you can help.
Ryan House is a unique and welcoming place where children with life-limiting conditions can truly be themselves, surrounded by the comforts of home and the care of a specialized, compassionate care team. The facility, one of only three like it in the entire U.S., provides essential pediatric respite care at no cost to families, thanks to generous community donations.
What is Pediatric Respite Care?
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, pediatric respite care refers to short-term, temporary relief provided to the primary caregivers of children with serious health conditions. For families who are providing 24/7 care to a child who is medically fragile, this service can be a game changer. The ARCH National Respite Network notes that respite care is the most frequently requested service among the nation’s 53 million family caregivers. It’s easy to understand why. Caregivers often face high levels of stress, sleep deprivation, and emotional exhaustion. A break, even a short one, can help them recharge, refocus, and return to their role with renewed energy.
At Ryan House, families can access up to 28 days of respite care per year, with each stay lasting up to seven consecutive days. During these stays, children receive expert care from a highly trained staff, allowing their families time to rest, recover, and attend to other aspects of their lives, knowing their child is in a safe, loving environment.
Creating Cherished Memories
Tracy Leonard-Warner, executive director of Ryan House, is passionate about the organization’s mission to enrich the quality of life for children with life-limiting conditions while creating cherished memories for their families. “At Ryan House, we’re not just providing care, we’re providing experiences,” she explains. “It’s a place where kids can live fully, even in the face of serious illness, and where families can create lasting memories during what can be an incredibly challenging time.”
For many families, Ryan House offers a sense of normalcy and joy that can be hard to come by when managing a serious illness. During respite stays, children are encouraged to engage in activities like music, arts and crafts, and games—all while being supported by a caring team of professionals. Parents, in turn, can enjoy peace of mind, knowing that their child is not only safe but thriving.
The Importance of Community Support
Ryan House’s ability to provide these crucial services free of charge is entirely thanks to the generosity of the community. The need for support is constant, and as the Thanksgiving season approaches, there’s no better time to get involved.
“This time of year, we really reflect on how grateful we are for the incredible support we receive,” says Leonard-Warner. “But there’s always more we can do. As we approach Thanksgiving, we encourage everyone to consider how they might give back, whether through donations or by volunteering their time.”
Volunteers are at the heart of Ryan House’s success. In fact, volunteers play a vital role in supporting the staff and engaging directly with the children who stay at Ryan House. From reading books and helping with arts and crafts to playing music or organizing games, volunteers provide much-needed companionship and joy to the children. This interaction not only brightens the kids’ days but also allows the clinical staff to focus on medical care.
One longtime volunteer, Maureen Walz, has mentored new volunteers over the years, sharing her deep appreciation for the experience. “Being a mentor to new volunteers, both young and not-so-young, is so rewarding,” she says. “Their enthusiasm reminds me why this is such a great place to volunteer. The time I spend here brings deep meaning to my life.”
For anyone considering volunteer opportunities, Ryan House makes the process easy. New volunteers are paired with experienced ones, ensuring they have guidance as they navigate the ins and outs of the house. Plus, Ryan House offers one-time volunteer opportunities to give back in a variety of ways.
How You Can Get Involved
So how can you make a difference? Ryan House offers several ways to get involved, especially during this season of giving.
Donate. As a nonprofit, Ryan House relies entirely on the generosity of the community. Every donation helps ensure that families can continue to access care at no cost. With a commitment to enriching the lives of children with life-limiting conditions, your donation—no matter the size—can have a profound impact. For those looking to make their donation stretch even further, Arizona residents can take advantage of the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, allowing them to receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their state taxes for contributions made to Ryan House. Also, consider donating an item from Ryan House’s Amazon Wish List.
Volunteer. Ryan House is always looking for dedicated volunteers. Whether you have a few hours a week or can commit to a more regular schedule, your time can make a world of difference. Volunteers directly support the clinical staff and help engage children in fun, enriching activities. There are also opportunities to help with event committees and projects around the house like cooking and baking.
Attend or host a fundraiser. Throughout the year, Ryan House hosts events to raise both awareness and funds for the organization. You can attend one of these events or consider hosting your own fundraiser with family and friends. Whether it’s a neighborhood bake sale or a larger event, every bit of support counts.
Spread the word. Not everyone knows about Ryan House, and raising awareness is just as important as giving time or money. Share their mission with friends, family, or even on social media. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and encourage others to learn more about the incredible services they offer to Arizona families.
A Season of Giving
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are thinking about the things we’re grateful for—our families, our health, and our communities. For families who rely on Ryan House, there’s an extra layer of gratitude for the relief and support they receive during some of the most challenging times of their lives.
“Families often tell us that Ryan House feels like a second home to them,” says Leonard-Warner. “It’s a place where they can find comfort and community, and that’s something we’re so proud to offer. But it’s not something we can do alone. We need the continued support of our amazing community to keep these services available to all who need them.”
This Thanksgiving, as you gather around the table with your loved ones, consider making a gift to Ryan House—whether it’s a donation, your time as a volunteer, or simply spreading the word about this incredible organization. Your generosity can help provide a lifeline to families in need, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: creating memories and cherishing every moment with their children.
To learn more about Ryan House or to find out how you can get involved, visit ryanhouse.org.