Meet Sandy (Mom), Steven (Dad), and their young adult sons Kevin and Alex. Their older son Kevin has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and needs full care. He lives in a group home nearby and comes home every weekend. Alex just aged out of school and has profound autism.
The Gagne Family started hosting students for Operation House Call in the Fall of 2024. Sandy serves on the Citizens Advisory Board for DDS and the Mass Health Advisory Group.
In the words of Sandy, “Kevin has had many, many hospital stays and surgeries.” Sandy and Steve felt inspired to share their many experiences in the hospital “to help students learn about families like ours.”
They turned a difficult adult hospital experience into an “aha moment.”. After their hospital discharge, they reflected: how can we help doctors take a step back and give better care to Kevin? How can we help other families like ours with medically complex young adults?
They began hosting students through Operation House Call and thoughtfully sharing their stories and experiences. The family finds that by meeting with students they can share the importance of continuing to partner with parents in adult care.
We are thrilled to have the Gagne family as part of our Family Network!
Are you interested in hosting? 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.
