An Extraordinary House

By Larry Sacks

 

Next to Kaiser Hospital in Santa Clara, work continues on the JW House.  JW Knapen, a 14 year-old boy that underwent cancer treatment at Kaiser Hospital, came up with a dream of a place where families could stay with their loved ones during long hospitalizations.  According to the website, “He wanted this house to be a place for brothers and sisters to talk quietly; a place for moms and dads and grandparents to be able to eat together; a place to talk with other families that are facing similar challenges — a place that feels like a ‘home away from home’”.

 

With a scheduled grand opening date in May, donations continue to come in to help make JW’s dream a reality.  One recent donation wasn’t quite what one expects when they hear the term “donation” bandied about.  This particular donation was for materials needed for the interior of the house and just as importantly, the labor required to keep the project moving. 

 

One requirement during the bidding process for vendors was that some amount be gifted back to the JW House.  The bids that came in the lowest with the largest gift-back were selected for the project.  De Anza Tile of Palo Alto solicited for the JW House and was able to get Peninsula Builders Supply of Sunnyvale to donate the stone needed for the project – approximately 35 pallets worth.  Additionally, Dale Tile in San Jose donated the entire floor tile and material needed to install it. 

 

Tile and stonework takes skill and that doesn’t come cheaply.   However, members of the Bricklayers, Tile setters and Allied Craft workers Local 3, California (BAC Local 3, California) have been generously donating their time and skill to get the job done.

 

For more information on the JW House, please visit the Web site, www.JWHouse.org or call 408-927-7885.