Steve and Mary's Story Steve and Mary Jackson are from Hartselle, AL. After retiring from 27 years of teaching, Steve and Mary opened a small antiques business and prepared to enjoy life. Unfortunately, three years ago, Mary began to experience serious illness related to a routine surgery from many years ago. For two years, Mary was hospitalized for an average of 180 days each year. This year, Mary has been in the hospital since February, coming to Nashville a few weeks ago. Throughout her illness, Steve has stayed by her side, closing their small store, mortgaging their home and spending their 401(k)s to make sure Mary gets the life-saving treatment she needs. Steve is a guest who would not have found this home away from home at HHH had we not been able to expand. Your generosity continues to give this family support and love when they need it most!

Sheila's Story The day after Hurricane Katrina struck, Sheila arrived at a Mississippi hospital to discover that her husband, Danny, had been evacuated to the VA in Nashville, TN. Not knowing exactly where she was heading or if she'd have enough gas to get there, Sheila and her 82 year old mother, Lucille, just drove. They did not have food, clothes, money or anywhere to stay, but they had to get to Danny. After almost two weeks of being "homeless" in Nashville, Sheila walked into the Hospital Hospitality House and knew she was home. For health reasons, Lucille had to return to Mississippi after several months in Nashville, but Sheila has remained at Danny's side through a difficult, uncertain illness that still threatens his life. They hope to return to Mississippi in September.

Lucy's Story Until Lucy's husband, Jimmy, needed a lung transplant, she had no idea that only certain hospitals operated on certain patients or that they would have to stay within ten minutes of the hospital to remain on the transplant list. She had no idea how they would afford a hotel or apartment for the months they could be waiting in Nashville for a lung to become available, and they had no idea that places like the Hospital Hospitality House existed. Lucy and Jimmy moved into HHH thinking it could be four months until a match came, but the hospital called the next week. Everyone at HHH, staff and guests alike, shared the couple's excitement over the match, their relief over a good surgery, and their anxiety as Jimmy's condition went up and then down after his surgery. When Jimmy passed away, Lucy was not alone. She was surrounded by her extended HHH family, all of whom embraced and comforted her in a dark hour. To share the joys and the sorrows of living with medical crisis is why HHH is truly a home away from home.

Elaine's Story MElaine came to Nashville from Scotsboro, Alabama with her son Sean, who was brought by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment after being struck by lightning in June 2006. Sean and his nine-year-old son were in the carport of their home when two violent bolts of lightning struck, one hitting Sean and burning over 50% of his body. Elaine just happened to be at her cousin's house across the street and heard her grandson call for help. She found Sean, beat out flames on his body and immediately called for medical help. Miraculously, her grandson was completely unharmed, but Sean suffered serious injuries. As Sean continues to struggle against a number of infections, Elaine has been able to retreat to HHH for some rest and respite so that she can continue her vigil. While Sean's wife remains by his side, she, too, has also been able to take a quick nap here from time to time.

Bibiana's Story Marbou, a young soldier stationed at Ft. Campbell, became critically ill as the result of a neglected toothache. An infection in the tooth spread to his bloodstream, and he became septic. His organs began to shut down, one by one. His family was called to Nashville where Marbou was hospitalized at Centennial Medical Center. His mother, Bibiana, and sister, Coline, boarded a plane in the small town of Kodiak, Alaska and flew to a strange city not knowing if their son/brother would live or die. This family found a home at the Hospital Hospitality House. Through dark times when the outcome was uncertain and through the celebration when the corner to recovery was turned successfully, HHH was there to offer a listening ear, a supportive hug, and loving encouragement -- not to mention a clean room, meals, laundry and so much more.

Dexter's Story Dexter's wife Amisha was severely burned in a house fire in Hermanville, MS. When Amisha was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for life-saving and long-term treatment, Dexter came with her. For six long months, both in the hospital and in a rehabilitation facility, Amisha worked hard to recover from her injuries. During this time, Dexter stayed at HHH, removed from his friends and family, knowing his home was lost and unable to work. Still, Dexter never lost his optimism, strength, and faith. At HHH, Dexter was able to find the love and support he needed. He was able to rest, email and call his friends and family back home, enjoy meals and even reach out to help new guests get settled. During his time at HHH, Dexter became an "unofficial" staff member, assisting guests who have locked themselves out of their rooms, repairing a closet door and constantly offering a contagious smile and quick laugh.