YPAC hosts regular fundraising events in which the proceeds directly benefit the JW House and help fulfill it's mission to keep families together during medical crisis by offering a welcoming home just steps away from the hospital, providing a caring and compassionate environment that inspires hope. JW House believes that no family should be separated when they need each other the most. We are exc
ited to build the YPAC and watch the JW House thrive! History of JW House:
JW House began in 2004 as the dream of young Belgian, Jan-Willem (JW) Knapen, a boy who survived leukemia as a toddler only to be diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer as a teenager. Throughout his numerous surgeries, chemotherapy treatments, and radiation sessions, JW found himself separated from his brother, sisters, and parents too often. He wished --along with his beloved doctor, Dr. Wong --that there could be a place where families could stay near their loved ones during long hospitalizations and he envisioned building such a place near his hospital at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Clara, California. He wanted this place to be a “home away from home” – where families could come together to talk, eat, and support one another during difficult times. It has been over 8 years since JW first began dreaming of his special place for families and though JW passed away in 2005, the dream has become a reality. Land for the house was provided by Kaiser Permanente. Over to 2.3 million dollars have been raised to construct and furnish JW House. Grand opening ceremonies were held in October of 2008 and our first guests stayed in the house in December 2008. We provide affordable accommodations for families, as well as free-of-charge Day Use facilities. JW House works with social workers at nearby hospitals who refer families to use the house. It is clear that in his effort to help families in the midst of difficult medical situations, JW harnessed the spirit of the community and challenged us to come together to make a difference in the lives of others. It has been truly inspiring to watch the magic of JW House touch young and old alike.
