Providing a home away from home

Marcia Mell

""One of the nicest things that happened to Walter and me during my chemotherapy treatment at West Houston was a friendly volunteer who came into our room telling us about the Ballard House and how wonderful it is for cancer patients who need to stay in Houston. By the time we left that day, Walter had completed our application online for the three plus weeks that I was scheduled for radiation in January and I had messaged my radiologist that I needed them to confirm that I was a patient. Getting a call to say we were approved eased my stress considerably.

We arrived at Ballard House on January 12 and were impressed with the beautiful room we were assigned as well as the friendly staff and volunteers. There is a family of volunteers of all ages that love each other and the cancer patients that stay there. The dinner meals provided by volunteers are delicious, and volunteers drop off supplies and snack bags as well as do everything to make us feel like we are at a home-away-from- home. My favorite treat was an encouraging love note pushed under our door from a first grade class at Wilson Elementary School. It was signed by all the students, beautifully decorated, and had a sincere note of encouragement. What a great lesson for students to learn at that age. I also love the chapel service on Wednesday, the service dogs who come to see patients who sit by the fireplace, the walking path behind the Ballard House, and the garden area with pools and comfortable chairs.

When I read about the clay shoot fundraiser happening while we are here, I decided this would be a great way to reward my son and husband with something they both enjoy, shooting. We are truly grateful for the Ballard House and the community that makes it possible, and are we are blessed by the love they give to cancer patients such as myself."

-Marcia

Akshaya and Koren

"I'm glad to be part of this tight-knit community at Ballard House and contribute to its amazing work every week. I have been a night owl volunteer for about a year, and it has been nothing short of a fun and fulfilling experience. After graduating from college, I was looking for a volunteering experience that I could commit to regularly to give back to the community, and I found just that at the Ballard House. 

Being able to show up every week, help with the dinner layouts, check new guests in, and do the nightly checks, has allowed me to contribute to the day-to-day activities of the house. I have also had the pleasure of participating in many special events - executing a birthday surprise, preparing for fundraisers, celebrating milestones, and many more. The chats I have had with guests after their long day have really shown me how much this place and community means to everyone - it is truly a home away from home!"

-Akshaya

"I really didn’t know much about The Ballard House until one Christmas my subdivision took some gifts to the guests at TBH. I went with the group to deliver the gifts. It was such a beautiful place, and everyone was so appreciative of what we had brought. I filed that away mentally, and when I retired and was looking for a place to volunteer, I decided to look at TBH online. I liked what I saw, and I filled out an application. In my interview, I remember Naomi telling me that TBH was a “very special place.” When I came to work for the first time, I could tell that Naomi was right. It was indeed a “very special place.”  Everyone is so appreciative of the volunteers and the things that they do. The energy is so positive from both the volunteers and the guests. The positivity has a way of rubbing off on everyone, volunteers and guests alike. I have enjoyed the time I’ve spent here and hope that in some small way I’ve contributed positively to the guests’ experience. I think we all try our best to make this a home away from home for our guests."

-Koren