Donel’s House of Hope will be the answer for families that would otherwise have no option to stay by their loved-one’s side.
Our Mission
Inspired by Donel D’cruze, a loving husband and father who faced cancer with courage, his wife and daughters founded Donel’s House of Hope in 2018 in his memory. The aim of this project not only seeks to provide affordable and accessible lodging for caregivers and patients undergoing cancer treatment but also foster a sense of community and belonging among those whose lives have been affected by cancer.
The family’s experience inspired Nina D’cruze to establish Donel’s House of Hope with her two daughters. Donel’s House of Hope is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to construct a physical house in the Upper Valley - a home-away-from-home- for those who are traveling long distances to receive cancer treatment. This home would not only provide necessary lodging for those families and patients, but moreover, a sense of community -- a place of belonging and support - that not only enhances patient care and recovery, but fosters an encouraging and supportive community of families whose lives have been affected by cancer. Modeled after Donel’s own courage and compassion in the face of cancer.
“Things began to spiral and my husband’s condition became worse. He developed complications that ultimately put him in the Intensive Care Unit. I tried staying one night with him, but my body decided that that wasn’t the best thing to do. I struggled with leaving him, but I needed to take care of myself. I knew that traveling over an hour one-way from home was not an option…”
~ Brenda
“Donel's House has the opportunity to provide cancer patients' caregivers with a safe home-away-from-home, a chance to connect with other caregivers experiencing similar emotions and difficulties, creating a support group of their own to get through tumultuous times.”
~ Alicia
“It’s hard enough covering medical costs let alone adding in travel and accommodations, becoming at times a hardship. It would have been incredibly helpful to have had a house to escape to for much needed rest and detachment from medical reality.”
~ Sandy