A Helping Hand for Families Caring for Kids with Special Needs

In Arizona, a special place called Ryan House offers a lifeline for families like the Dobsons. Gideon, an 11-year-old boy with complex medical needs, stays there once a month. This gives his parents, Kathleen and Seth, a much-needed break. Gideon has many health challenges, including blindness, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. He needs constant care, which can be very tiring for his family. Ryan House is a non-profit that provides care for children with serious medical conditions. It allows parents to take a breather while knowing their kids are in good hands. For the Dobsons, this means they can spend quality time with their other children, Genevieve and Cormac. They can do activities that Gideon can't, like camping or hiking. Kathleen and Seth moved from Vermont to Arizona because the state offers better support for families with disabled children. They found Ryan House, which gives them 28 overnight stays per year. This is a big help, as Gideon's needs are too complex for regular babysitters. The facility was started by Jonathan Cottor and his wife after their son Ryan passed away. They understood the struggles of caring for a child with severe medical needs. Cottor's goal is to expand these facilities across the country, as there are currently very few. Gideon's condition, caused by a viral infection called congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), is not curable. It affects his brain and body, making everyday tasks challenging. He communicates using a device controlled by his eyes and uses a wheelchair. Despite his difficulties, Gideon is a bright and amazing kid. Ryan House not only helps with care but also allows parents to focus on their other relationships. Kathleen and Seth can take time for themselves and their marriage. They can even travel for work, which would be impossible without this support.