Please meet the Bennett family, who have been a part of the Operation House Call family host network since 2024. Rachel Bennett is the Director of CVI Now at the CVI Center at Perkins School for the Blind. She shares, “We love being a part of OHC and are grateful our family’s story has a small part in helping make the medical space work better for kids and adults with disabilities and their families.”
In a few words, tell us about your family:
We are a tight knit, loving family grounded in simple joys: riding the T with Henry; shared meals; daily schedule conversations; walks with our dog, Oreo; and short vacations centered on exploring new train systems and hot tub time. Henry has changed my life, who I am, my career, and what I stand up for.
What is one of your favorite memories of having medical students in your home?
For every group, I love hearing about their journeys and why they are in this medical path – and then, in turn, hearing the questions they ask. Their curiosity and kind hearts give me hope.
One of my favorite memories is walking with Henry and the group of students to our local park. It was one of those conversations that could have lasted all day. I shared Henry’s journey as a rare kid with a whole list of diagnoses, including ASD, ID, CVI, and CAPD. How every year since he was born nearly fourteen years ago, we’ve had to navigate a new diagnosis. They engaged with Henry and his sister, helped push Henry’s wheelchair, and even gave our dog, Oreo, plenty of belly rubs.
The students not only asked what they can do to make sure people with disabilities and their families are fully seen and cared for, but how they can teach others that they work with.
What are one or two themes that you try to emphasize when students meet your family?
Stay curious. Ask questions. Connect with other specialties and colleagues when you don’t know. Help families bring the specialties together so we can holistically understand, care for, and support our kids.
Connect caregivers to mental health and caregiving support. We are not okay. The onus is entirely on us to navigate the medical system. We need to know the questions to ask before we even understand what is going on with our kid. There is so much uncertainty. So much energy spent searching for answers, treatment plans, therapies, and medications. Make sure the caregivers of your patients are okay.
Thank you, Bennett Family, for joining our OHC Family Network and sharing your stories and perspective with future providers.
Are you interested in hosting virtually or in-person? We are looking for families who live within 30 minutes of Boston and Worcester. Please reach out to Ashley Waring, OHC Family Engagement Director, at awaring@arcmass.org.
