This July, the staff and students of Ross Medical Education Center in Port Huron, Michigan really got their hands dirty as they volunteered to complete yard work for Hunter Hospitality House. The volunteers worked on weeding flower beds, cutting back the spring blooms, raking, and pruning trees. The staff and students had a great time working together as a team. Although they worked hard, they also worked quietly to ensure they did not disrupt the patient who was residing at Hunter Hospitality House while they were undergoing treatment at nearby Lake Huron Medical Center.
Hunter Hospitality House was founded by Jeff and Tracy Willard after their son Hunter was born prematurely in December 1991. Sadly, Hunter lived just sixteen days. He spent his short life in the Special Care Nursery at McLaren Port Huron Hospital. As a result of their tragic ordeal, the Willard’s saw the need for the families of seriously ill patients to have a place of quiet refuge to stay in close proximity to the hospital. Twenty years later, they were able to make their dream a reality. In 2011, the Willards opened the first Hunter Hospitality House, located close to McLaren Hospital, in memory of their son, Hunter Eldon Willard. Families can stay close to their loved ones who are undergoing treatments, and use the House to rest, relax, shower and eat a meal in peace, all at no charge. Just two years later, they successfully opened a second location near Lake Huron Medical Center, also in Port Huron.
The community has embraced the Willard family in their vision to see that, “no one should ever have to be concerned about lodging or amenities while caring for themselves or loved-ones who are in the midst of a medical crisis.” Both Hunter Hospitality House locations are cleaned, cared for, and stocked through the volunteer efforts of the residents and businesses in the Port Huron and surrounding areas. “The staff and students at the Port Huron campus are passionate about helping Hunter Hospitality House in any way they can,” shared Faith Logan-Kirnberger, Career Development Representative. “We feel strongly that the service the Willards provide is such an invaluable resource in our community. We feel honored to be able to share our time and efforts with this incredible organization.”
The Port Huron campus of Ross Medical Education Center will continue to support this incredible family and their cause by volunteering at both locations of the Hunter Hospitality House. Fundraising events and service projects for all ages are available year-round. To learn more or to volunteer your time, visit their website at www.hunterhousehospitality.com, the Hunter Hospitality House Facebook page, or give them a call at (810) 824-3679.