Baton Rouge will soon have housing for families of children’s hospital patients

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) – For many parents with children in the hospital, there is so much to worry about besides their child’s health. Even arranging accommodation during treatment can be expensive.

That’s why an agency is now working with a local hospital to provide families with a free resting place.

“As a father, I cannot tell you the value. And how you feel when you see something like that,” said Charles “Chuck” Spicer, President of Our Lady of the Lake Health.

There are more than 90 patients at Our Lady of the Lake who suffer from illnesses that take longer to heal.

“We have our children with cancer who also stay with us for months. Some of our trauma patients walk in unexpectedly so quickly. The parents have their clothes on their backs and are still here with us for many weeks,” said Dr. Shaun Kemmerly, Chief Medical Officer of Our Lady of the Lake.

Aside from worrying about her child, Dr. Kemmerly that many parents also have the burden of thinking about where to stay.

“Sometimes we had to accommodate families in nearby hotels. They are standing by the bed. But they’re going to tell us if they have a minute to get out of this room and take some of that pressure off. It’s much, much better for them,” she said.

Thanks to a $2 million donation from Hogs for the Cause, a nonprofit that helps sick children, there will be a place in Baton Rouge where families can wait while loved ones get better.

“A place where you can also heal emotionally,” says Becker Hall, co-founder and CEO of Hogs for the Cause.

The new facility will have 12 bedrooms, a laundry room and even a full kitchen – all free for residents in need.

“Lots of home comforts. You can cook your own meals. You have your own room. You can make it your own environment. It’s a kind of home away from home,” Hall said.

Construction has already begun, and officials hope to begin welcoming families by the end of this year. Donations are still accepted. You can help by attending the Hog for the Cause festival in New Orleans from March 31st to April 1st click here Donate.