I was presented with an opportunity to pursue an educational opportunity that was far from home.  I have always been a very independent person; however, this opportunity would cause me to leave all of my family behind. One day life presented me with a surprise, and I was given a set of beautiful twins.  One of my babies became so sick that the hospital was not sure if she would make it.  She spent six months in NICU and during that time she had multiple surgeries, pulmonary hypertension, a G-tube, tracheostomy, a ventilator from open heart surgery and many more health problems.  The hospital gave me the option of transitioning my daughter from the hospital to a group home where she would receive 24-hour nurse care in a private home style setting.  My initial response was a big NO!  I felt that I should be the one taking care of her, a sense of hopelessness and frustration came over me. I was given an opportunity to meet with Betsy and Don from The Bogden House.  They explained to me how the Bogden House worked.  After listening to them both I felt that I should give them a try so that I could take my daughter out of the hospital.  That was the best decision I have ever made in my life.  They were not just a group of nurses that took care of my daughter but more of an extended family and friends.  They have supported my family in ways that I could never describe.  They taught me how to support, take care of her and her needs.  The time came when I could finally bring my daughter home.  I was filled with so much happiness because I was ready to take care of her and we would finally be together.  At the same time, it was very sad because I had to say goodbye to the Bogden House and the family we were leaving.  They go above and beyond to really take care of the babies that live there as well as provide the family with anything that they need.  I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to use their services and be a part of their family (this is how I view them).  I will never be able to repay them for what they did for my family.

I HIGHLY recommend Bogden House for families of critically ill children. I am a stubborn mamma bear, who advocates for my daughter beyond a reasonable amount, to give her the best chance at a quality life. This was taking a toll on my life and after seven years of home healthcare, I needed some respite. Bogden House was recommended by one of my daughter’s doctors. I had a list of hesitations and felt ashamed for not being able to work and stay awake through the night to take care of my daughter. I brought my Lilly to Bogden House “temporarily”. They took care of her to my standards and beyond. Every aspect from the staff, nursing, communication, quality of care, her well-being, my well-being, transportation, medications... everything, has improved the quality of my daughter’s life and my life. I’m not so much nurse mommy anymore, instead I just get to be mommy to my sweet girl. This “temporary” arrangement has lasted over 5 years now and the Bogden House is simply amazing about the level of care they provide. I love showing up and being mom and seeing Lilly looking clean, happy, and having the cutest hair styles and her nails painted too.