BOSTON — A Boston nonprofit is offering families of children battling cancer an important resource: a place they can call home.
What is Christopher’s Haven?
Christopher’s Haven is a Boston-based nonprofit organization that provides housing for families while their children battle cancer.
“We started in 2006 and now have 9 apartments and a loft,” says COO Maria Ciriello.
A place to stay is one thing, but Christopher’s Haven strives to create a community of comfort and understanding in their homes.
“This is family. When we’re all sitting here [at the dining table]”We don’t think about what the children’s illness is. We want them to have fun and to interact with other families, to create a support system between them,” says Family Manager Glennys Acosta.
“It’s very cozy and there are games in the playroom. There’s always something new to do,” says resident Nash.
But if there’s one thing every family wants to do, it’s leave a handprint on the wall.
Christopher’s Haven
“So when a child finishes treatment, we have a call party. We bring pizza and cake. All the friends and other families gather and they put their handprint,” Cierello explains.
“A home away from home”
Eric Maye and his son Grayson are currently residents of Christopher’s Haven and they can’t thank the organization enough.
“This is truly a home away from home. Mrs. Acosta hosts events daily and nightly to create that camaraderie and community with all the families going through similar events,” Eric says.
But Christopher’s Haven has one big game changer for families: the hospital is less than a minute’s walk away. It’s just one less thing parents and families don’t have to worry about.
“That’s important at home too, every trip we make to the hospital is about a 45-minute drive. Here we cross the street and come back, there are kids around,” says Nash’s mother Angie.
“It was amazing. We couldn’t have asked for anything better,” adds Rebecca, mother of current resident Paige.
Christopher’s Haven also has a location in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information about Christopher’s Haven, click here.
