Seth Sullivan and his mom, Misty

"On August 12, 2024, My 18 year old son, Seth and I were sitting in a room at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Tx when the lead Oncologist came in to break the news to us. Seth had a Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, a little larger than a football growing in his belly. The doctor said, "Seth, this tumor will probably kill you, but I'm going to do everything I can to save your life". They quickly began treatment during that 3 week stay in the hospital and they gave us the projected road map for treatment. When we left there, the bill for parking was about $370. I had no idea how we were going to get through all of this, but I knew my faith was in God to make a way while there seemed to be no way. Not only would we have to be at the hospital regularly for treatment, but we also needed to be closer in case of an emergency. Where would we stay? How would we pay all of the parking and medication and food? I did a lot of praying but mostly I did a lot of giving God praise and applying my faith to His Word and His promise over our lives. Seth was assigned a social worker who immediately went to work trying to find us a place to stay and that's when she discovered The Ballard House. We both had to leave our jobs and homes and put most of our belongings into storage and travel to Katy, Tx to our new temporary home.

When we arrived on the evening of October 1, 2024, Brenda greeted us and checked us in and Reggie gave us a tour and showed us to our room, #105, sponsored generously by Mrs Bonnie. After about a week, I began to breathe a little and started to make friends with some wonderful people. We've cried together, laughed together, prayed together, and even celebrated some miracles together. We have played many games of bingo, put puzzles together, watched movies, and enjoyed many meals together. I've spent a little quiet time in the chapel and I've enjoyed many Wednesday evenings with others, just worshipping and sharing testimonies. The Ballard House puts heart into everything they do. The community comes to serve in many amazing ways and burdens have literally been lifted from our shoulders from the moment we checked in. They have snack bags ready to grab n go for chemo days. There's always something yummy to snack on! There's a massage chair in one of the T.V. rooms and it never disappoints. They offer passes to the YMCA in Katy, which is really needed after all the good treats! I can't say enough about how very grateful I am for The Ballard House Family we have now. We are getting so close to being ready to leave sometime next month in August but I know it will be hard to leave too. My prayers for this lovely place will continue long after Im gone and if ever there's a way to give back, I will be ever so happy to do so.

Seth will receive his final round of chemo on August 6, 2025. The most recent scans showed "NO EVIDENCE of Residual Cancer"!!!!!! All Glory to God!"

Jan Kilpatrick

"I believe that God placed each of us on this beautiful planet with a purpose to fulfill to honor Him by serving others. The Ballard House is the perfect place to do that.

I love volunteering here each week with the great staff and other wonderful volunteers. And the guests are so kind and loving.

Fourteen years ago I spent a great deal of time at MD Anderson with a loved one. I will always remember how the volunteers made me feel. They were always so compassionate and they truly cared. My hope is that I can show compassion to others as well.

Before retiring I worked in Human Resources which gave me the foundation to listen. Most of the time people just want to be heard. I try to give each of our guests my full attention.

I am blessed and honored to volunteer at The Ballard House!"