Story Category: Testimonial

The Dunn Family: Rebekah, Allison, Jeff, and Leah

Rebekah was a radiant pre-teen—full of spark, ambition, and dreams. Like many girls her age, she enjoyed going to concerts, hanging out with her friends, studying hard, and spending time with her close-knit family. She and her parents, Allison and Jeff, and her younger sister, Leah, live in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

At age 12, Rebekah began experiencing gastrointestinal issues. Two years into that struggle, her doctor performed an endoscopy, examining her abdominal organs with a small camera. After that, her condition rapidly worsened. Hospitalizations became frequent, resulting in many missed school days. Eventually, Rebekah could no longer eat on her own and was diagnosed with gastroparesis and a pseudo-obstruction.

Determined not to let her illness stop her, Rebekah completed high school online and was accepted into a prestigious nursing school at Bradley University, in Peoria, Illinois. Now completely dependent on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) delivered intravenously, she managed to complete her first two years of college despite her body’s continued decline. Her family did everything they could to help Rebekah, consulting with leading physicians from some of the most respected hospitals in the country. But nothing seemed to help.

“We felt like we were running out of answers,” said Allison, “but we just weren’t ready to give up.”

Finally, a physician told the family that Rebekah would need a multivisceral transplant—a highly complex procedure involving the transplantation of multiple abdominal organs. But something gave Allison pause.

“I realized that he wasn’t the one meant to do this transplant,” she recalled.

Then a friend connected Rebekah with IU Health Transplant in Indianapolis.

After meeting with Dr. Richard Mangus and the transplant team, Rebekah and her mom felt something was different. “The entire team was so kind and compassionate,” Allison shared. “We felt so much more comfortable. They offered us hope.”

Rebekah and her family made the decision for her to be listed for transplant. She was listed for 4 years before the miracle finally happened. At 23 years old, Rebekah received a five-organ transplant—stomach, pancreas, liver, and both small and large intestines.

It was an extremely complicated surgery with a long recovery time. Since they were almost four hours from home, the family was very grateful when a transplant social worker told them about Fair Haven. “We had to be in Indianapolis for five months,” said Rebekah. “With all the medical bills, we wouldn’t have been able to afford to live here…. It made a huge difference for us to be able to stay at Fair Haven.”

She added, “Fair Haven is very close to the hospital, which is very important. If there are any emergencies, you have to get to the hospital as quickly as possible.”

“Fair Haven saved us in many ways,” said Allison. “I had no clue we were going to be here this long. I don’t know what we would have done financially….

“And I would have experienced such loneliness if I hadn’t been here. Not even my closest friends can fully understand what we’re going through, as hard as they might try. But here, other guests understand because they’re experiencing their own struggles. You don’t feel so alone in the fight.”

“Thank God for Fair Haven.”

Today, Rebekah is 25 years old and is back at home. Even though she sometimes experiences setbacks, she is moving forward with her life. After not being able to eat for years, Rebekah loves to cook and is enjoying all sorts of foods again. Because of the sensitivity of her immune system as a transplant patient, she has decided to shift her career plans from nursing to a different health-related field.

“I hope to attend college closer to home and go into a cardiac sonography program. That field allows me to use my own health experience to help others. I want to make scary times not so scary for patients. For example, if a kid needs an ultrasound on their heart and is afraid, I can tell them I’ve had a ton of these in my lifetime and help ease their fears.”

After having to miss out for so long, Rebekah is enjoying connecting with friends again and slowly jumping back into social outings. “I’m thrilled that I’m getting to do some typical mid-20-year-old things,” she shared. Despite all that she has been through, Rebekah has a wonderfully positive attitude and a beautiful smile.

“My transplant has given me that second chance at life.”

Devin, center, spent 53 days at Fair Haven after receiving a kidney transplant. The 23-year-old is shown with his mom Kelly and stepdad Steve.

Devin came to Indianapolis in need of hope. When his family first arrived at Fair Haven, they noticed a tray of wooden crosses displayed at the entrance. These crosses, made from olive wood and handcrafted in Israel, are offered to all who enter Fair Haven’s doors. Devin’s mom Kelly took a cross to give to her son in the hospital, as a reminder of God’s presence and the hope He brings to all who believe.

At 19 years old, Devin was pursuing a degree in digital multimedia design at the University of Northwestern Ohio. With a personality full of enthusiasm, Devin had a passion for creative pursuits, including photography, baking, and graphic design.  During the summer break between his freshman and sophomore years, Devin returned home to Fort Wayne, Indiana, feeling healthy—aside from some back pain he attributed to lifting heavy boxes. A routine visit to a local walk-in clinic, however, revealed something far more serious.

“The physician’s assistant offered to do some bloodwork,” recalled Kelly, Devin’s mom. “I figured, ‘We’re already here, so why not?’ Three days later, they called and said Devin was in critical condition and needed to go to the emergency room immediately. All his numbers were off.”

Devin was diagnosed with severe kidney disease.

“They told me I’d probably had it since I was a kid, but I never had any symptoms. And we don’t have a family history of kidney problems,” he said.

Within hours, Devin began dialysis—a treatment that would significantly alter his life for the next three and a half years. Soon he was also placed on the list for a kidney transplant, though finding a donor match proved difficult due to his blood type.

It was a grueling way to live. “He was home every night, seven nights a week, on dialysis for 14 hours,” Kelly said.

Finally, the long-awaited call came. The family immediately left home and drove two hours to IU Health in downtown Indianapolis, where Devin received the miraculous gift of a new kidney. It was a gift that brought hope for a new beginning.

After being discharged from the hospital, Devin and Kelly were grateful to have a home away from home at Fair Haven. They stayed at Fair Haven for 53 days, while Devin was closely monitored by his physician. He attended frequent clinic appointments, with long days at the hospital for infusions and lab work.

“Staying at Fair Haven has been amazing—a real blessing,” says Devin.

“It’s hard for him to find a comfortable position to rest,” Kelly shared. “At the apartment, he could sleep in the recliner, on the couch, or in the bed. Had we been in a hotel, it would have been so much more difficult. Plus, being only a mile or so from the hospital, everything was so convenient.”

Like any parent, Kelly endured her own emotional journey—watching her son navigate dialysis, then a painful and difficult transplant recovery.

“I find myself wanting to do everything for him, but I’ve had to let go of a lot of things that are just beyond my control.”

She paused, then added, “We’re just so thankful for Fair Haven. It’s been amazing and has helped us so much. I feel safe when Steve isn’t here,” she said, referring to her husband. “And everything is furnished!”

During this difficult season of their lives, both Devin and Kelly kept their wooden crosses close by, with Kelly’s in her car, and Devin’s often in his pocket. When they were finally ready to go home, Devin and Kelly shared hugs and goodbyes with their new friends at Fair Haven. Before walking out the door, Devin selected another cross from the tray.

“I think I’ll take one for [a friend],” he said.

Stepping outside, Devin closed his hand around the tiny piece of olive wood, carrying with him not just a token—but a quiet reminder of the hope he had found, and of the One who had been with him through it all.

Through your support, Fair Haven provides a home-away-from-home for families battling a serious illness. Bring hope to families today with your gift of support.

José and his family spent 19 days at Fair Haven. From left to right: His parents, José Sr. and Marleene; José; and his fiancée Talysha.

Choosing joy isn’t always easy, especially when facing life’s toughest challenges. But that was the choice made by José, a 29-year-old attorney from Puerto Rico.

As undergraduate students, José and Talysha met at the University of Puerto Rico. “He caught my eye,” Talysha shared as she smiled. “I instantly wanted to get to know him.” The two began dating in 2016, and their relationship continued to grow stronger as they pursued advanced degrees, José in law and Talysha in occupational therapy. While celebrating Talysha’s graduation in 2023, José began experiencing severe back pain. Not long after, he was diagnosed with metastatic testicular cancer. It was a shock.

“I’ve always been healthy and athletic, but I didn’t understand how cancer works,” José reflected. “I wasn’t prepared for what I was about to face.”

José’s initial treatment in Puerto Rico was unsuccessful, and the cancer spread to the lymph nodes in his back. After exploring various treatment options, he decided to seek treatment at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, where José met with Dr. Larry Einhorn and Dr. Clint Carey. He flew to Indianapolis in May 2024 and underwent surgery to remove cancerous tumors from his right side.

“Everything seemed fine, but then the cancer returned, this time on the left side,” José said. His second round of treatment was intense—high-dose chemotherapy and tandem stem cell transplant. He spent two months at the Auxilio Mutuo Hospital in Puerto Rico.

Through it all, Talysha remained by his side, offering unwavering support. “It may seem like none of this affects José,” she said, “but I know it does. He’s incredibly brave, always maintaining a positive attitude.”

That optimism was crucial. When treatment failed again, José’s tumors spread. That’s when Talysha, José, and his parents returned to Indianapolis for the second time, as José faced yet another surgery. But José had something else on his mind.
“The last time we were here,” José shared, “Talysha really enjoyed walking by the canal. Despite the snow and cold, something we never see in Puerto Rico, it felt like the perfect place to propose.”

Just two days before his second surgery, José took Talysha on a stroll on the downtown Indianapolis canal and proposed! The joy of the occasion was like sunshine breaking through the clouds. Given the uncertainty of what lay ahead, the moment was especially meaningful.

José’s surgery was extensive and complicated. He spent five days in the ICU. After being released from the hospital, José worked hard every day to regain his strength, slowly walking the hallways of Fair Haven, starting with short distances and eventually walking laps.

Being together with his family at Fair Haven while he recovered meant so much to José. “I’m really thankful my parents are here with me,” he said. “We feel surrounded by caring people. It’s not just the staff; the other guests uplift us, too. It feels like home.”

José and Talysha celebrated their engagement by taking photos on Fair Haven’s snow-filled back patio. On one of their last nights at Fair Haven, a local church came to serve dinner for the families at Ada’s Place. José and his family enjoyed the meal and visited with other guests. After dinner, church volunteers surprised everyone when they capped off the celebration with gospel music and some great dancing. It was a special moment when José, still recovering from surgery, joined in on the fun!

As they prepared to return home, José’s mother, Marleene, shared her heartfelt gratitude in a note: “We are thankful for Fair Haven. The love we felt here through the staff and guests was a testament to God’s care. We pray you can continue to bless other families like ours. We are eternally grateful.”

Some people only see brokenness during painful circumstances. Like shattered glass, they see shards and pointy edges that hurt and offer no hope.

Others search for blessing in brokenness. Like the same shattered glass, they see color, texture, and shapes that can be pieced back together to make a moving mosaic of beauty.

Ironically, anyone who searches for blessings will always find them, regardless of their circumstances.

Kimberly, 45, is one of those people. She has experienced great challenges, yet time and time again, she looks for—and finds—blessing in brokenness.

In 2016, Kimberly was enjoying her work as a librarian in Jeffersonville, Indiana, when she became ill. She was diagnosed with CML, or chronic myeloid leukemia. Also known as chronic myelogenous leukemia, CML is a blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow and then invades the blood. This type of cancer occurs mostly in adults.

During those first few months, Kimberly’s hometown oncology team worked furiously to help her, but sadly, little helped. Then in 2017, Kimberly came to Indianapolis, where a new team of doctors began to work collaboratively with her hometown team.

Things seemed to have turned around until 2021, when Kimberly grew “deathly ill,” as she describes. “I mean, I was seriously ill and hospitalized for two months.”

Working together, changing treatments and medications, the two medical teams eventually would save Kimberly’s life and help move her body into remission.

Not only does Kimberly describe her physicians as a blessing, but she also calls her library colleagues a blessing. That’s because her team researched the Indianapolis area for appropriate housing for Kimberly and her family so they no longer would have to stay in a hotel. In their research, their team discovered Fair Haven.

Jamesella, Kimberly’s mom explains, “Trying to find a place to stay was traumatic in itself. For a while we stayed close to the hospital, then we were just kind of bopping back and forth to different places to stay that we could afford. It really hit us hard. Then, our church family helped us. Finally, someone at Kimberly’s job told us about Fair Haven.

“The first time we came, we stayed here almost three weeks.” During that time, the family found hope in staying together at one of Fair Haven’s apartments.

Pausing, Kimberly adds Fair Haven to her list of blessings, saying the support “has been such a relief because the financial burden can be just as heavy as dealing with the health crisis. So Fair Haven has been a financial blessing, but maybe more importantly, the staff has been great. I am forever grateful for that. The care here helps a person get stronger because you’re cared for here, and that help takes the burden off of you.”

But her struggles didn’t end in Indianapolis. Upon Kimberly’s return home two and a half hours away, she was still fighting her health battle and remained very weak. Yet she would find herself in another life-threatening situation.

“Nine days later during the night, my apartment unit caught on fire. I was trapped in my apartment. As weak as I was, I had to move the dresser away from my window, break the window, and jump out. I mean, I was in there like Sammy Sosa bursting out. But I was standing on the ledge and I said, ‘God, please save me.’ Then I heard my dad’s voice, and I jumped.”

Not only would she somehow survive the jump, but Kimberly’s neighbors later told her as they watched the horrific ordeal, they saw a pair of hands guiding Kimberly down through the air.

“I prayed, and God held onto me until I was safe,” said the survivor.

Surviving the fire experience was yet another blessing Kimberly adds to her list.

“God was holding me for a reason, and whatever my journey is, I know there’s something more, something bigger.”

Today, Kimberly continues to manage her CML with the help of her doctors. She also struggles with a series of other health issues.

“I have health issues,” she says, “but I still have my limbs. I can still talk, and I get to keep working a job that I absolutely love….

“I have a tattoo in the shape of a semi-colon. It means keep going. Instead of a period that signifies the end, my story hasn’t ended. I need to keep going. And I need to keep counting my blessings.”

Through your support, Fair Haven provides the blessing of a home-away-from-home for families battling a serious illness. Bring hope to families like Kimberly’s today with your gift of support.

What are the odds that three very different young men living hundreds of miles from one another would forge a friendship? Yet, that’s exactly what happened. Edgar, Erik, and Sebastian, all in their 20’s, were just getting started as young adults pursuing their dreams when their lives were suddenly upended with a diagnosis of cancer.

Edgar, 24, worked with his brother Sergio and his father Baltazar in the family’s landscaping business in LaPorte, Indiana. Edgar was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, just two days before Christmas in 2019, and he’s been battling the disease ever since. “It really changed my life,” Edgar shared. He and his family stayed at Fair Haven for seven months in 2020 while Edgar received intensive chemotherapy. Then, in the spring of 2023, Edgar was told that the cancer had come back. This time, Edgar had to have his right leg amputated and undergo months of chemotherapy to prevent the cancer from spreading. But Edgar is a fighter. Even while he continues his treatments, he has already been fitted for a prosthetic leg. He says he’s determined to do landscaping again!

Erik, 29, is a very talented chef. Before coming to Indiana, he cooked at his family’s restaurant in Puerto Rico. Then Erik was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He underwent chemotherapy in Puerto Rico, but those treatments failed. Desperate for a cure, he and his mom Erika and his stepdad Charlie dropped everything and got one-way plane tickets to Indianapolis. It was very difficult for Erik to leave his 3-year-old son, Gabriel, behind. “He’s very special to me,” Erik shared. “That bond makes me want to fight harder. It makes me tougher and stronger…because I have a purpose to be with my son.”

Sebastian, 22, enjoys working out and doing art. He also loves adventure. Sebastian purchased a small RV and had dreams of traveling with his dog, Willa. Those plans were brought to a halt when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Sebastian began chemotherapy near his home in Boerne, Texas, and quickly made friends at the cancer clinic. He says that he enjoyed listening to others at the clinic when they needed to talk and showing them his art. “They liked looking at my art,” he said. “They say it gives them life.” After standard chemotherapy failed, Sebastian and his mom, Virginia, and his dad, Stephen, packed up and drove almost 1,200 miles to Indianapolis so that Sebastian could receive the specialized care he needed to beat his disease.

The three young men met each other while staying at Fair Haven. They fostered a friendship founded upon their common experience. Along with their families, they gathered for meals and birthday celebrations. The guys texted one another, sharing words of strength and encouragement. Edgar told us, “We went from strangers to friends. It helps knowing I am not the only young person going through some tough situations…If they can do it, I can do it.”

Although each of them faces a battle of life-and-death, they’ve found that healing is not only manifested in physical ways, but in communal and spiritual ways, too. “It has been wonderful to be able to give hope and to receive it as well,” said Erik. “We must give away the blessing we’ve been given.”

When things get really tough, the friends help to keep each other going strong. “Some days I just want to lay down,” Sebastian shared. “But at the end of the day, I’m grateful because I’ve got my triangle [of friends]. We’re in this together.”

“Two are better than one…If either of them falls down, one can help the other up…A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10, 12 (NIV)

“We’re in this together.” – Sebastian Hernandez, 22, Boerne, Texas

Through your support, Fair Haven provides a home-away-from-home for families battling a serious illness. Bring hope to families today with your gift of support.

Lisa, 49, stayed at an apartment for several weeks last spring after undergoing a stem cell transplant for leukemia. Still fragile after discharge from the hospital, she could not return to her home in Seymour, Indiana. Instead, she moved into a Fair Haven apartment where she could easily visit the hospital for daily treatment and close monitoring. Her daughter Cathy stayed with her there.

“I don’t know how we would have done it in a hotel,” Cathy told us. “Things like having a couch for her to sit on, a washing machine in the apartment where we could do huge loads of laundry, and a kitchen where I tried to make her foods she could tolerate. All of these things were huge.”

Cathy said her mom’s time at the apartment gave her a chance to feel normal. “It was a huge part of her recovery process. She didn’t start feeling better until she came to the apartment.”

But feeling cared for meant more than anything. “Our interaction with the volunteers meant so much to us,” Cathy recounted. The people aspect was amazing.”

But it wasn’t just special for them- it was a meaningful experience for the volunteers who met them, too.

“I only spent about 30 minutes with Lisa but I will remember those 30 minutes for the rest of my life,” volunteer Jackie O’Keefe recalls. “Lisa was very sick and had a poor prognosis, but she was still the most optimistic, encouraging, and inspiring person in the room. When we asked how she was feeling she would answer that ‘every day was a blessing’ and she smiled ear to ear.”

Through your support, Fair Haven provides a home-away-from-home for families battling a serious illness. Bring hope to families today with your gift of support.