“Being both a patient and guest experiencing JoeAnna’s House and the hospital, we could not have gotten through our stays in Kelowna without the compassionate and considerate people who work and volunteer at all facilities and organizations. Their support and guidance helped make all our journeys less stressful and easier to navigate.” – Russ LaFreniere

Not many grandparents get to live within ten minute of their children and grandchildren, but Maurene and Russ Lafreniere do in the village of Montrose in the West Kootenays. The family is very close with all six grandkids, they joke they have a full hockey lineup.

And now having stayed at JoeAnna’s House on four separate occasions, Team Lafreniere’s ‘home-away-from-home-team’ has become the house’s supportive staff and volunteers.

In 2020 their daughter Amanda and her partner Brian were the first of the family to stay at JoeAnna’s House. They heard of JoeAnna’s House from a relative and were able to stay at the home while Brian recovered from open heart surgery and was being monitored regularly.

Russ and their son Braden were the next family members to stay. Braden had to undergo a scheduled back surgery at KGH and Russ was able to stay at JoeAnna’s House for two nights so he could support Braden during his recovery.

The families’ third experience at JoeAnna’s House occurred after Russ underwent an angiogram and subsequent open heart surgery. When Russ was admitted to the cardiac unit, Maurene stayed at JoeAnna’s House while she cared for Russ for two weeks.

“During Russ’ stay at KGH the care we received was exceptional. From the surgeons, nurses, and the whole cardiac team, their skills, care, and professionalism were incredible” recalls Maurene.

Most recently their son, Nylan, suffered a heart attack followed by a cardiac arrest. He was transferred from their local hospital to KGH. Fortunately there was a room open at JoeAnna’s House, for the families’ longest stay at the house. One month.

“Walking into the house was like a big hug,’ shares Maurene. “Our family members all felt the immediate soothing and calmness it presented. It said ‘Home’. The house is so welcoming and serene. In a state of disarray, we knew we were safe and cared for.”

During each of these periods, the LaFreniere family was able to find respite in a welcoming home and supportive team while focusing on caring for their loved ones in the hospital. No one had to feel alone during these very difficult experiences.

Once recovered and released, each family member made it home to the resounding cheers of the full LaFreniere cheer squad, grateful that their home team was once again, fully intact.

“There is comfort in knowing we have a home and a community in Kelowna to support us. To the donors and volunteers, a thank you of course isn’t enough. Your support is more than appreciated, from the meals delivered and beautifully maintained garden, everything that is done within and outside the property is astounding! We are humbled, so very thankful, and forever grateful for the impact every one of you have had in our lives. With our sincere thanks and love”- Maurene, Russ, Nylan, Rosalyn, Kinsley, Rhyler, Amanda, Brian, Spencer, Jacob, Braden, Landon and Ethan