A growing number of Quechee residents volunteer at David’s House, a home-away-from-home for families with children receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD). From left to right: Rae Alexakos, Carol Patton, Dick Avicolli, Rochelle Berliner (front), Chic Felson, and Elizabeth McCrae

David’s House is a home-away-from-home for families with children receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD). David’s House is a place where a child can be a child and where parents and families can stay to find and give support to their child and to each other.
David’s House has fifteen bedrooms, eight bathrooms, two country kitchens, and places to play both indoors and out. Rooms are named, not numbered like a hotel or hospital. Each room has a theme and is decorated with whimsy and charm. Toys, games, and books appeal to all ages. Parents and children are welcome to visit during the day or to stay overnight.
Since 1986 David’s House has served over 7100 families. Each year, including repeat visits, David’s House serves 900 to 1000 families. On average, two-thirds of the rooms are full.
"We are open every day, 24 hours a day. We could not function if not for the volunteers and the generosity of so many people," explained Berliner. On average 150 to 160 volunteers contribute 450 hours each month. In 2002, volunteers contributed 5400 hours as house assistants. Volunteers stepped forward to cook, do clerical and computer projects, and decorate rooms. Others make quilts, contribute food and toys, help out at events, and purchase items on the wish list.
Listening to comments from the Quechee residents who volunteer revealed that lending an ear may be their most important task.
While many volunteers are retired, Carol Patton works full time and finds time to volunteer at night as a house assistant. She shares the shift with another Quechee friend and longtime volunteer, Sue Sample. "When my husband passed away, people did so much for me. I have a need to give back. I am a listening post for the parents. They have a need to talk, and appreciate having an ear. Families say how grateful they are when they check out."
"If you just let them talk, they start calming down. These families come from all over New England and even internationally in the case of emergencies," said Elizabeth McCrae. She helps out behind the scenes entering the guest list into a membership database after the Pied Piper overheard McCrae say she wanted computer experience. "I’ve gained the experience I wanted and can give this knowledge back to help out."
A recent Pied Piper recruit, Rae Alexakos, enjoys helping out at the front desk to check people in and show them around the house. "I’ve been blessed with healthy children and grandchildren. This is satisfying as a grandmother to volunteer for the children. I feel good that I have accomplished something special."
"Grandparents stay here, too, to help out their families," Chic Felson, a volunteer house assistant, chimed in. He recognizes how volunteerism meets a double need. "I have an inner need to help people. David’s House has a need for help. I’m glad I’m here to offer a measure of comfort that families wouldn’t find at a hotel. Often they are scared. Here, they can open up and share their experience."
Dick Avicolli knows the feeling. "I had an ill child. I realize the stress and strain on the family spending time at the hospital. I can help by just listening to the parents." He cooks breakfast once a week to give the parents and families a good start to their stressful days. He also cooks one evening meal a month. "Other volunteering would be too much like work. I love to cook and I feel good, especially if I can help out a young couple. They inspire me."
"We just couldn’t do this without these volunteers, all our volunteers," added the Pied Piper. "We invite you to join with us."
There are many ways to help David’s House including annual giving, endowed funds, and volunteering your time. Interested volunteers can contact Rochelle Berliner at 603-643-2298 to learn more about the opportunities at David’s House.

Meet other Quechee Volunteers
David’s House recognizes the work of its many volunteers from Quechee and beyond. A few could not be at the group interview including Myra Gross, Jan Felson, and Curt and Sue Sample. We can share the Samples’ story from a letter printed in the Fall 2001 newsletter, News from David’s House:

Curt and Susan Sample
Quechee, Vermont and Palm Beach, Florida
Curt and I retired in 1988 and had come to our Quechee home for our first summer of total relaxation. I quickly realized that "playing" every day was not enough for me. There was a tiny ad in the Valley News asking for volunteers for a Rubber Duck Race for David’s House. The day I responded my life changed forever. Since Curt and I have always worked and played together, we both helped at the Rubber Duck Race.
That day’s event included many activities for kids, one of which was face-painting. My heart was touched forever by a little girl who had no hair but just was so thrilled to show off the beautiful butterfly painted on her head. Curt and I made the decision to volunteer at this wonderful place. I helped Jane with computer work, and later we served as House Assistants one night a week.
Curt and I return to Quechee and David’s House every June. When we arrive at this beautiful yellow house with its woodwork of hearts and its gazebo decorated with names of so many generous donors, we know we are "home" again. Thursday nights bring us such joy and satisfaction. We have met so many parents and children who have taught us the true meaning of life and love. They have shown us the strong spirit of hope and faith. We have laughed and we have cried. We have made so many friends among the families at David’s House. Many times we are thanked for our volunteer work, but we are the ones who are thankful for the opportunity to be a small part of the most loving and caring home called "David’s House."

David’s House is a home-away-from-home for families with children receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD).

A Special Boy Named David
David’s House is named for David Cyr, adopted son of Dick and Gerry Cyr of Hartland, Vermont. David was a remarkable little boy. He was just twenty months old and still in the process of being adopted by the Cyrs when doctors discovered he had acute lymphocytic leukemia. The cancer did little to stop David’s love for life. He had a way about him, a zest for living that touched all those around him.
David was treated at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Hanover, New Hampshire, a short drive from his home. He became friendly with the other children undergoing treatment. Whenever he went home, David dreamed of taking these children with him to his house. During his treatments David’s parents met the parents of these children—people who sometimes had to sleep in hospital waiting rooms or in their cars because they could not afford a hotel room. The Cyrs also began dreaming about creating a haven—one where these families could stay.
David’s House is that dream come true. After David died in September of 1984 at the age of five and a half, the Cyrs, along with many other caring people, dedicated their time to creating this haven. David’s House is a gift from the people and businesses of northern New England to all the parents and children who come to the Medical Center.
The first David’s House, a seven-bedroom Victorian, opened January 20, 1986, at 1 Prospect Street in Hanover, within walking distance of the old Medical Center. When DHMC moved to its new campus four miles away in Lebanon, David’s House was still close but not close enough. The David’s House board of directors launched a building campaign and opened a new home-away-from-home adjacent to the new Medical Center on May 9, 1994. David’s House is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Although David’s House has a close working relationship with DHMC, it is independently funded by individual and corporate donations.
David’s House serves families regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic status. The nightly room fee is $10 per family, but no one is turned away because of inability to pay.
For information about David’s House, contact David’s House, 461 Mount Support Road, PO Box 660, Lebanon, NH 03766, phone: 603-643-2298, and email: davids.house@valley.net.