Plans revealed for Minnesota's first pediatric transplant house
A local couple is launching a campaign this week to build Minnesota's first pediatric transplant hospitality house.
Ree and Randy Erickson, the founders of Cy's Place, have plans for a new 55,000-square-foot building in northwest Rochester. The estimated $14 million project will provide affordable accommodation and support services for child transplant patients and their families.
"When you are struggling through difficult times, people want to know if someone cares," said Ree Erickson. "Cy’s Place is an opportunity to provide light during the most difficult and dark days of someone's life."
The couple's inspiration for the facility comes from their son Silas, or "Cy," who died in 2007 at the age of three. During Silas’ courageous battle with cancer, the family left their home in Williston, N.D. to spend 11 months in Rochester, where Silas underwent extensive treatment at Mayo Clinic.
During that difficult time, Ree and Randy experienced firsthand what it was like to need an affordable place to stay for an extended period of time.
“Through the kindness of others, many of our needs were bountifully addressed and even though there was great pain and sadness, we experienced great light and hope,” said Randy Erickson.
Compelled by faith to help others in similar situations, the couple packed up and permanently moved to Rochester in 2011. Within just a couple years, the Ericksons' renovated their basement into a guest apartment and began welcoming families from across the world.
The new Cy's Place will be located on nine acres of land (a donation from family friends) near the intersection of Ashland Drive and 19th Street NW.
The property, with plenty of green space and close proximity to the city's trail system, will provide families battling difficult circumstances a much-needed retreat from the hospital environment.
“When a child needs a transplant it often involves the entire family,” said Dr. Shakila Khan, a board member for Cy's Place. “Many patients stay in hotels, rent apartments or find other hospitality houses, but in general these are not geared for the specific needs of transplant children or their families. I can’t tell you how valuable Cy’s Place will be to the entire transplant community.”
Once open, the new facility will provide space for up to 20 families at a time. Click here to learn more about the project or to make a contribution.
A local couple plans to open a new 55,000-square-foot pediatric transplant hospitality house in northwest Rochester. The facility will be the first of its kind in Minnesota.Details: http://bit.ly/1GfJjCr
Posted by The Med City Beat on Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Disclosure: The video used on our Facebook page was funded by Cy's Place and produced by Red Couch Stories. The Med City Beat received no financial contribution for sharing the video.
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(Cover graphic: Rendering / Cy's Place)
