Betty and Matthew Gemmill first learned about the Sunshine Hospitality Home when their fourth child, Robert, was born.
“We found out about the Sunshine home when I was delivering Robert back in February 2019,” explains Betty. “There were some complications and living that far away, it was mentioned that the hospitality home was here.”
Altru’s Sunshine Hospitality Home is a place of comfort, compassion and convenience for patients and their families who must travel for healthcare needs. Comfortable and homelike, the home allows individuals to stay close to their loved ones to assist with care, rehabilitation, home care teaching and support.
The Gemmills live outside of Fordville, North Dakota about 50 minutes away from Grand Forks. After Robert was born, he stayed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for two weeks and the Gemmills were so thankful that they could stay near their baby while he grew.
“When he was in the NICU it was so nice for my husband or me to be able to be here close to him.”
After the NICU
After Robert was able to leave the NICU, his family learned that he would have follow-up appointments and special needs that would keep them coming back to Grand Forks.
“Robert has physical therapy and occupational therapy to work on his physical development and that is twice a week. We come here for the specialty clinic which is very nice. At therapy, he works on his muscle strength. He has hypotonia which is low muscle tone, so he works on his fine motor skills.”
The Sunshine Hospitality Home has been a blessing for the Gemmill family.
“We get to stay here overnight so we don’t have to do the drive back twice. For Robert and I and the littles to be able to stay in this warm, comforting home is just such a gift. Everyone is so open and loving. We benefit greatly from the love and the care of the Sunshine Hospitality Home.”
Betty is so thankful for all the donors who have made it possible for her family to stay at the home during their time of need and for other families who are going through hardships.
“I would like to tell donors thank you. Thank you so much for the ability for us to have this comfort. This has been a home away from home and such a place of rest. Thank you for supporting the home and for your generosity. It is helping so many families. I think of all the people I meet here that are going through so much. It’s amazing here.”
Supporting Sunshine Hospitality Home | Giving Hearts Day
Altru Health Foundation is participating in Giving Hearts Day 2020 and all funds received will benefit the Sunshine Hospitality Home.
All gifts of $10 or more given on February 13 at givingheartsday.org will be matched up to $30,000 thanks to our matching donors, Yorhom Medical Essentials, Truyu, Dakota Medical Foundation and C&R Cleaners and Laundry!
Gifts can also be made at the Sunshine Hospitality Home “Open House” from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary hot cocoa bar, tours and the first 100 people to arrive at the home will receive a sunshine mug. Yorhom and Truyu will be there from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. to provide free CPAP checks and chair massages.