Love Lives Here
As the Pediatric Clinical Team Leader at Ryan House, I get a front-row seat to something extraordinary.
I oversee a team of nurses, CNAs, and caregivers who show up every day ready to love children whose lives are medically complex and families who are often carrying more than most of us can imagine. Because of my role, I see what happens in the quiet moments most people never see. And I can tell you this with certainty:
Love lives here.
Love looks like a child squealing with joy on our adaptive swing, doing something they can’t do anywhere else. It looks like one of our teens floating safely in the pool or soaking in a real bath for the first time. It looks like a kid who’s been through too much, lighting up because they know they’re going to Ryan House and not wanting to leave when it’s time to go.
It looks like our team anticipating a child’s arrival, not just their medical needs, but what makes them them. It looks like joy, laughter, and dignity in places where people expect only sadness.
At Ryan House, every day feels a little like Valentine’s Day because love isn’t just a feeling here. It’s intentional. It’s something we do, again and again.
I’ve watched parents who haven’t slept through the night in years finally rest. I’ve seen caregivers place their child in our arms with hesitation, only to return later with tears of relief. I’ve seen families rediscover parts of themselves that had been buried under appointments, alarms, and exhaustion.
And here’s what I want you to know:
None of this happens by accident.
It happens because people like you choose to love families you may never meet, but whose lives are changed because you care.
Your donation doesn’t just fund care.
It creates moments of peace.
It restores energy.
It tells families, You are not alone.
This Valentine’s Day, I hope you’ll consider making a gift that keeps love alive at Ryan House. Because when you give, you’re giving more than support. You’re giving families the space to breathe, to connect, and to feel held by a community that truly understands.
Thank you for the love and care you give our families.
With gratitude and heart,
Josie Andersen
Pediatric Clinical Team Leader
Ryan House
P.S. At Ryan House, love isn’t reserved for one day in February. With your help, it shows up here every single day.
