Almost Home Kids

A Week of Service From Many

AHKstaff — Thu, 17 May 2012 13:23:33 +0000

These days, most people of all ages are involved in a charitable organization. Last week, during National Nurses Week, our clinical staff experienced the generosity of the kind-hearted people who support AHK and we want to extend a warm thanks to all for making the week such a celebration.

Destinee Evans, the sister of a child who receives respite care from AHK annually, brought in delicious homemade peach cobbler. It was decadent!

The Downers Grove Area Newcomers have been supporting AHK all year, and last week was no exception. They provided an Italian Feast and a Mexican Fiesta! Both were wonderful and thoroughly enjoyed by the staff!

Girl Scout Troop 51086 and their leaders, Joan Brant and Laura Garvel brought in a fabulous soup and salad lunch – the only missing items were the recipes! Everybody wanted them.

Girl Scout Troop 50865 of Ranch View Elementary School and Troop 50118 of Scott School and their leaders, Jackie Wozas and Elaine Drikakis, baked yummy treats for the staff throughout the week and they were certainly enjoyed.

LexisNexis catered a fantastic BBQ meal for the staff on the same day that they brought 19 employees to participate in a service day. What a day and what a great group of people!

Our week came to a close on Friday when Trinity Lutheran Church’s Women’s Group, WISH, brought in a delicious salad lunch, along with dessert. A perfect end to the week!

Not only was food brought in, but a massage therapist, Karla from Massage Envy in Naperville, donated 2 hours of her time and provided chair massages to our clinical staff. What a treat!

Many photos were featured on our Facebook page throughout the week. Click here to view and comment, https://www.facebook.com/AlmostHomeKids

The AHK staff greatly appreciates all the kindness that was extended during this special week!

National Nurses Week

AHKstaff — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:54:05 +0000

“The nurses at Almost Home Kids have touched my heart. We have come a long way and I consider them my family.” A child’s mom

This week is National Nurses Week and we will be celebrating these wonderful people. Nurses at AHK not only care for the children, but also for the families. They make a difference every day and we are grateful for their dedication and service.

Rachel, Look at Her Now!

AHKstaff — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:03:23 +0000

Inspired and impressed is the feeling one has after speaking to Rachel Gibson. Since 9 months of age, she has undergone medical procedures, been in and out of hospitals, accumulated 1-2 years of absent days in 12 years of schooling, but there is not self pity, no bitterness, no anger. Her medical situation is anything but normal, by society’s guide of measure. So who is she and what is she doing?

Rachel was one of the first children to receive care at Almost Home Kids, along with her brother, when the doors opened in 1999. She is now a student at Elmhurst College and will celebrate her 19th birthday in April. Her interests are horses and singing and she has been active in both since 2000. In addition, she works at her family’s business and volunteers for various organizations.

Her medical trials continue, but they have inspired her and made her who she is. She demonstrates a passion for life, causes, love and the care for one another and she desires to help others who don’t have a voice.

Words From One of AHK’s First Children

AHKstaff — Thu, 03 May 2012 12:32:45 +0000

“AHK gave me the inspiration for life. There were times when my brother and I were so sick and my dad was working and my mom was so tired. If it hadn’t been for AHK and the support, I don’t know what we would have done.” – Rachel Gibson, Cared for at AHK

Golfing in Chicago

AHKstaff — Thu, 03 May 2012 12:10:34 +0000

Mark your calendars, arrange a foursome or be a sponsor… The 10th Annual Putt for a Purpose is Monday, August 27, and the new location is The Harborside International Golf Center in Chicago. Detailed information is available at http://give.almosthomekids.org/events

“Harborside is comparable to Muirfield in Scotland.” – Ben Crenshaw, Two time Masters Champion

Caiden Goes Home!

AHKstaff — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:44:08 +0000

After 5 weeks, Caiden and his mother, Rebecca is finally headed home to Peoria to join the rest of the family and begin a more ‘normal’ schedule that doesn’t include daily Proton Precision Therapy. There were hugs and tears as we said good bye to the family and wished them well. Many thanks to Ridge Ambulance Services who transported Caiden and his Mom, Rebecca, every day to and from his treatments at CDH Proton Center, A Procure Center. The team is now taking him home to start the next phase of his journey.

A Student, a Sister, a Donor

AHKstaff — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:22:41 +0000

Destinee Evans, a 7th grader, founded ART, Activating Real Talent, in December 2011, to encourage young people to pursue their talents. She has received inquiries about selling her artwork, she believes that her art should help people and wants to see others benefit through her creations, especially organizations that support children.

Destinee’s brother, Nickolaus, visits AHK annually for respite care and Destinee has supported AHK by donating her paintings in order to benefit children at AHK.

Thank You, Volunteers!

AHKstaff — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:46:45 +0000

More than 500 individuals serve as volunteers at AHK annually. The service and dedication each person offers impacts the children and the families at AHK. This week is National Volunteer Week and we want to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to every person that helps our mission. Every act and task is a great contribution to AHK. To each of our volunteers, thank you all for your giving spirit.

Please visit our Facebook page and share your stories, comments or thank another volunteer. https://www.facebook.com/AlmostHomeKids

Welcome Corey!

AHKstaff — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:39:32 +0000

What a delight to welcome back Corey for a respite care visit. His beautiful disposition and smile are enjoyed by everyone at the house. The sunshine and lovely weather make the backyard the perfect place to spend the day. Nick, an RN at AHK is soaking in the sun with Corey!

Shop For Charity-Proceeds to Benefit AHK!

AHKstaff — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:15:18 +0000

Get ready to shop! Downers Grove Area Newcomers have named AHK their sole beneficiary at their 3rd Annual Affair with Flair. Join them on Saturday, April 21st at First United Methodist Church in Downers Grove and select from hand-crafted jewelry, fashion accessories, toys and doll clothing, home decor and much more!
See flyer for times, raffle information and more details!