“Recovery is nowhere near linear,” says Alan Frey of the CAR T-cell therapy he is undergoing at Froedtert Hospital. After more than a month of ups and downs in and out of the hospital, Alan has seen firsthand the impact of steady, local support.

That support comes from his wife, Kathy, who has been staying across the street at Kathy’s House. She has made caring for Alan a priority, bringing him breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day. When groups come in to cook, it’s a welcome relief. “I used carryout containers to bring lasagna or chicken barbecue sandwiches up to the hospital,” she says.

Kathy’s House has also made it possible for Kathy to care for herself. She appreciates the amenities that make it feel like a “home away from home,” as well as the chance to connect with other guests. “The group setting makes it easy to connect and talk and share,” she says. “Everybody here is carrying a burden. There are people that are worried they’re running out of sick days at work, and they have to work because of insurance. Others are worried about the financial burden, or the burden of they have little kids.” She feels grateful that she and Alan had only themselves to worry about.

During their stay, the couple has also enjoyed the natural surroundings, noting the many birds and wildlife around the pond. “There’s two red tailed hawks, a great blue heron and English sparrows,” says Alan, alongside “goldfinches, cardinals and robins.” Best of all, he says, are the fireflies, which light up the area by the pond in the evening. As Alan says, “Being at Kathy’s House is a breath of fresh air.”