Kimberly Sheridan makes the parents and caregivers of critically ill children feel right at home when they travel to Boston for their child’s treatment at the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Unit at MassGeneral Hospital for Children.
As executive director of Home Away Boston (HAB), Kimberly understands how the questions “Where will we stay?” and “How can we afford this?” loom when out-of-town caregivers are first referred to Mass General. Her organization eases their burden by providing free housing while pediatric patients undergo prolonged cancer treatment. Under her leadership, HAB has grown from three apartments to five, plus a community space, at the HarborView complex in Charlestown, just two miles from the Mass General campus.
The fully furnished apartments accommodate 40 families each year. In addition, HAB procures tickets to local events and attractions, such as hockey games and the aquarium, and offers on-site activities, like arts and crafts and family game nights.
“Kim is always available, day or night, to make sure that the patients and their families are comfortable and that the apartments are fully stocked and in immaculate condition,” says HAB Board Member Joel Bloom.
“HAB receives numerous letters of thanks for all that Kim has done to make families feel comfortable and secure during a very stressful period in their lives,” adds Joel. “She has been a positive force in the lives of so many families who have had to navigate a complex medical crisis in an unfamiliar city.”
