Denver Couple Turns Heartbreak into Hope: Free Housing for Sick Kids
A Denver couple, Lyndsi and Wesley Sigmon, are transforming their profound personal loss into a powerful beacon of hope for other families with critically ill children. Inspired by their own journey, their non-profit, Hearts and Hope, is now providing free housing to families needing long-term hospital care in Charlotte, North Carolina, building on a successful model they established in Durham.
The Sigmons’ Journey: Luke’s Legacy and Inspiration
In 2009, Lyndsi and Wesley faced an unimaginable challenge when their newborn son, Luke, required a heart transplant. They spent months away from home, living in a rented apartment near the Boston hospital where Luke received treatment. This experience highlighted the immense strain – both emotional and logistical – that families endure during such trying times. Luke bravely fought for six years after his transplant before passing away.
Despite their heartbreak, Luke’s vibrant spirit and the outpouring of community support they received fueled a new purpose. “He inspired a community,” Wesley Sigmon shared, “and we want to remember him for all the things he did. You could feel his positive energy. He was always happy, so we fed off that.” This profound experience laid the groundwork for their charitable mission.
Hearts and Hope: Expanding to Charlotte
Driven by Luke’s legacy and their own lived experience, the Sigmons founded Hearts and Hope. Their latest endeavor is a townhome in Charlotte, acquired by the non-profit, specifically designed to offer free accommodation to families whose children are receiving long-term care at Levine Children’s Hospital. The home, expected to be fully furnished and ready for guests by early next year, aims to provide a much-needed respite.
“You’re our guest and you’re allowed to stay here as long as the time for your child to be able to go back to their home,” Wesley Sigmon explained. The initiative emphasizes creating a sense of normalcy for families facing anything but, offering a comfortable space to decompress from the intense hospital environment.
A Proven Model: Success in Durham
The Charlotte expansion isn’t Hearts and Hope’s first venture into this compassionate service. The Sigmons have successfully operated a similar home in Durham for years, supporting families with children at Duke Children’s Hospital. This established program has already served families from across North Carolina, as well as from distant states like West Virginia and Texas, underscoring the universal need for such support.
Lyndsi Sigmon highlighted the critical importance of these homes: “You’re tired when you spend many hours in the hospital. You’re mentally, emotionally drained, so to be able to come back somewhere and lay in a bed, watch TV, and just for a minute check out from that world.”
How Hearts and Hope Makes a Difference
The work of Hearts and Hope, though currently focused in North Carolina, originates from the heartfelt commitment of a Denver couple. Their initiative provides crucial practical and emotional support, alleviating the financial burden of accommodation and offering a comforting environment away from the clinical setting. It’s a testament to how personal adversity can be channeled into profound community good, creating a ripple effect of compassion for families nationwide who are navigating similar paths.
Hearts and Hope Home Locations
| Location | Hospital Served | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Durham, NC | Duke Children’s Hospital | Operational for years |
| Charlotte, NC | Levine Children’s Hospital | Opening early next year |
What’s Next for Hearts and Hope
As the Charlotte townhome prepares to open its doors, the Sigmons are eager to connect with families who could benefit from this free housing. They invite anyone in need or those looking to support their mission to reach out and learn more. Their continuous efforts ensure that Luke’s inspiring spirit lives on, bringing comfort and stability to families during their most challenging times.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is eligible to stay at a Hearts and Hope home?
Families with children receiving long-term care at Levine Children’s Hospital (Charlotte location) or Duke Children’s Hospital (Durham location) are eligible. - Is there a cost associated with staying?
No, families can stay for free, as long as their child requires long-term care at the hospital. - How can I support Hearts and Hope?
You can learn more or make a donation by visiting their website: heartshopenc.com. - Are the Sigmons looking to expand to other cities, potentially Denver?
The article primarily focuses on their current expansion in Charlotte. For future plans, it would be best to contact Hearts and Hope directly.
The inspiring journey of Lyndsi and Wesley Sigmon from Denver reminds us that even in the face of immense sorrow, compassion and community support can create profound positive change, offering a vital lifeline to families when they need it most.
Denver Couple Offers Free Housing for Sick Kids
