August 11, 2010

Domus Pacis: family respite care to connect and reflect

By John Gleason

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States.  Everyone knows someone (or knows someone who knows someone) who has been touched by it. 

The disease affects people in ways they never imagined and no matter how prepared you may feel you are for life’s challenges, when faced with “the news” people come to a halt and think about the time they have left.

Domus Pacis, Latin for “House of Peace,” is a family respite program created to offer those diagnosed with cancer a homelike environment for the purpose of encouraging interaction with other family members and caregivers in a peaceful surrounding, by providing housing, logistics and support for entire families during a special getaway.

The brainchild of Mary Louise “Duck” White-Petteruti and her husband Vince, Domus Pacis traces its origins to Oak Park, Ill., in 1997 when Duck’s mother was diagnosed with cancer.

“I was in total frustration,” she told the Denver Catholic Register, “what with a job and teenagers and having my mother sick. I needed to get away and asked mom if she wanted to go.  That turned into a girl’s trip to the mountains of Colorado for me, my sisters and our mom. 

“During that time,” she continued, “we cried a lot, experienced nature and mom had a week to forget about her illness and bask in the glory of the mountains. Afterward my children got to see their grandmother happy many days because she would talk about that trip. Later, on the day mom passed, she still had the pictures of that special week by her side.”

For Duck, that trip revealed the power of a mountain setting and the need for cancer patients to get away for a time with their families to enjoy and create memories together. The idea for Domus Pacis Family Respite Inc. was born.

Those wishing to participate must be diagnosed cancer patients of any age and must be screened through the organization’s referral partners in Colorado.

Cancer sufferers and their families can spend a week in the scenic mountains of Summit County in homes that have been donated for that purpose.  Participating respite families get transportation, food and activities. Respite volunteers contribute dinners and baked goods. Businesses provide some complimentary services such as bike rentals, trail rides and family photo sessions.

“The community in Summit County has been terrific in terms of support,” Vince White-Petteruti said. “We have 90 volunteers, 65 homeowners who have donated the use of their residences and 7 property management companies who keep us in touch with those willing to donate their properties.

“We also have over 40 different businesses that donate their services to the families who come here,” he added. “And of course we have the support of the churches; members from every denomination have been a great help.”

In 2008, the first year of operation, Domus Pacis had eight families participate.  Last year that number jumped to 30 and this year, the nominating list stood at just under 90.

“We’ve coordinated more than 60 visits this year,” Vince said, “and everyone is a special story.”

Heather Janssen is a 37-year-old mother of four, who was diagnosed with stage-four (the most invasive) breast cancer in May 2008.  Referred to Domus Pacis through a healthcare provider, Heather, her husband Clark and their daughters spent a week in the mountains of Summit County last year, splitting the getaway between sightseeing and a lot of family time.

“We went to a fun park where the children all had a great time,” she told the Register.  “Another day we went horseback riding, and one evening my husband and I were able to get out for a dinner for just the two of us.”

Heather said the opportunity to get away from the real world for a brief time was as vital as any treatment she received in the hospital.  She likes to refer to Domus Pacis as a “noble, crucial concept.”

“What many people fail to understand is not only do you have significant physical health issues when you’re dealing with cancer, but there is an incredible amount of emotional fallout, too,” she said.  “I consider what Domus Pacis does to be ‘Chemo for the Soul.’”

Duck agrees that the need to get away is more important than most people are aware of and often, they don’t realize just how important it is until the week is over.

“Cancer steals the joy from every member of the family,” Duck said.  “Domus Pacis allows them to come to the mountains, relax and take time in the beauty of God’s creation.”

DOMUS PACIS FAMILY RESPITE CARE
For more information or to volunteer
Online: www.domuspacis.org
Phone: 970-547-4745
E-mail: Director@domuspacis.org