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For more than two decades, the first floor at 48 Francis St. has been the home away from home for hundreds of hematology oncology patients and their families traveling long distances to receive care at BWH. Last month, the house reopened after a year of renovations and was dedicated as the Thornton & Naumes Mesothelioma House and The Patrick Thompson Suites.
“This is a special place in a warm neighborhood allowing us to offer extra accommodations to our patients and families who need it most,” said BWH President Gary Gottlieb, MD, MBA. “This is a gift that provides families the ability to rest and be together.”
The house was opened to patients and families on May 21, 1987, by the Department of Social Work, Division of Hematology and the Thompson family following the death of 14-year-old Patrick Thompson, who received two bone marrow transplants at BWH. The Thompson family provided seed money and worked with the hospital to open a three-bedroom apartment, which became a home away from home for others who commute a long distance for care.
Thornton & Naumes, LLP, a law firm that represents many clients with mesothelioma from asbestos exposure, donated $1 million to refurbish the entire house. “It is our privilege and an honor to provide any assistance. This is one of our finest days,” said Michael Thornton, firm founder.
Last month’s dedication ceremony included a ribbon cutting and tour of the new facility, which boasts three identical floors with bedrooms, full bathrooms, common spaces, laundry and kitchens. The first floor will continue to serve hematology and oncology patients as the Patrick Thompson Suites, while the second and third floor units are dedicated to mesothelioma patients and families. Four families already have stayed in the newly renovated house.
“Because of this gift, the mission of caring for families continues. It’s an honor you’ve extended our son’s name, and we hope hundreds will benefit,” said Rob Thompson, Patrick’s father.
David Sugarbaker, MD, chief of Thoracic Surgery, said, “Several years ago, when we started seeing mesothelioma patients from across the country, we realized that staying in a hotel stretched resources for many of them. Now we have this incredible gift for families who come to BWH to seek care.”
Martha Burke, MSW, LICSW, director of Social Work and Clinical Services, was influential in opening the house in 1987 as well as the refurbishing project. She presented plaques to the Thompson family and Sugarbaker.
“Caring for others is the courageous spirit of Patrick Thompson and the Thompson family. Caring for others is creating a safe haven; a home away from home,” Burke said. “As we enter a new chapter and decade of this house, we expand the mission and legacy of easing the stress of unforeseen illnesses. With the incredible donation from Mike Thornton and his associates, today our dream has come true.”
A new housing coordinator, Cristin O’Rourke, joined the team in January, and is the first to meet and greet patients and families. She produced an 80-page book to help them become comfortable in the Boston area.
“My father was a patient here, and it was a great experience to use the family waiting room to connect with other families,” said O’Rourke. “I wanted to do something to help patients when they need someone to talk to or navigate the Boston area and ease the everyday burdens as they adjust to a new city and treatment.”
Mairead Hickey, PhD, RN, chief nursing officer and senior vice president for Patient Care Services, praised the efforts of the staff, donors and volunteers who worked so hard to help BWH patients and families. “This is a special time to celebrate a few amazing people who show amazing compassion for our patients and their families when they come to us for care,” she said.