When our son Silas was diagnosed with cancer, we found ourselves walking a road few of our friends or family had ever traveled. We left our home and jobs in Williston, ND, and spent nearly eleven months in Rochester, MN, while Silas underwent extensive treatment at the Mayo Clinic. Those months in and out of the hospital were grueling—not only for Silas, but for us as well. Walking alongside our little boy through the pain and discomfort of his illness, we became physically, mentally, financially, and spiritually exhausted.

When Silas passed away in late 2007, our hearts were shattered. The grief was—and still is—deep and enduring. Yet in the midst of our sorrow, we were never alone. God surrounded us with people who reached out in ways too numerous to count. Because of their kindness and generosity, many of our needs were met—often before we even knew how to express them.

As we reflect on that difficult season, our hearts are filled with gratitude. We find ourselves longing to extend the same compassion and support to others facing similar battles.

Those months in Rochester taught us so much. We learned the layout of the Mayo Clinic like locals—navigating countless appointments, tests, and treatments. But more than that, we learned what it’s like to watch your child fight for their life day after day. We learned how it feels to be completely spent, yet still keep going. We discovered the kinds of help families need during long-term medical treatment—and the kinds of support that often go unmet. We learned to celebrate the small victories and to grieve setbacks. And we experienced firsthand the deep need for affordable, long-term housing for families far from home.

After Silas died, that need stayed with us. Out of both our loss and our desire to be God’s hands and feet, a dream was born: to create a guest home in Rochester where families could find comfort and support during their child’s treatment. In late 2011, we moved to Rochester and, with the help of family and friends, renovated the walk-out basement of our new home into a guest apartment. In early 2013, Cy’s Place opened its doors. Since then, it has been a joy to see how God has moved in and through this work.

A few years ago, a new chapter began when some friends approached us with an offer to help us expand our efforts. Their generous donation allowed us to purchase a nine acre piece of land. Since then, more people have stepped forward, sharing their time, skills, and resources to bring a new and expanded Cy’s Place into reality.

We stand in awe of all that God is doing, and we look forward with hope, knowing that Cy’s Place will continue to be a place of rest, comfort, and care for many families in the years to come.