{"id":3738,"date":"2023-05-18T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/familyhouseinc.org\/article\/family-stories-a-powerful-mother-daughter-bond\/"},"modified":"2026-06-26T00:04:31","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T07:04:31","slug":"family-stories-a-powerful-mother-daughter-bond","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/familyhouseinc.org\/tl\/article\/family-stories-a-powerful-mother-daughter-bond\/","title":{"rendered":"Griffin\u2019s Story for Giving Tuesday"},"content":{"rendered":"

The DeBernardis family shares their story for Giving Tuesday. When you donate today, your gift will be MATCHED to ensure that families like Griffin\u2019s can count on free housing, meals, and transportation when they need it most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNatassia was diagnosed in May of 2021 with Ewing sarcoma cancer,\u201d said Heidi. \u201cWe underwent 14 cycles of chemotherapy, 31 days of radiation, and surgery to remove the tumor, which also removed part of her left lung and two ribs.\u201d Heidi also shared that after completing treatment in April of 2022, Natassia\u2019s cancer returned later that year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was a hard pill to swallow, but she is a fighter and so strong. She will beat it again, hopefully for good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Heidi learned that Natassia was eligible for a trial at UCSF Benioff Children\u2019s Hospital, she felt stressed because she wasn\u2019t sure how they would be able to stay in San Francisco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFamily House allowed me to breathe,\u201d she recalled. \u201cFamily House took a huge weight off my shoulders.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Building Unbreakable Bonds to Conquer the Most Difficult Times<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Heidi and Natassia cherish their time together, despite the difficulty of leaving their family. Heidi\u2019s husband, Stephen, stays home to be close to his job, along with their 3-year-old son Ivan. When she\u2019s away, Natassia misses her little brother dearly. She also misses cuddling with Sukee, one of two cats they adopted last year. Sukee was skittish of everyone and everything, until she met Natassia. The two developed an instant connection and have been inseparable since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When they arrive at Family House, Heidi makes special plans the first couple of days when Natassia feels well. Recent adventures included the Exploratorium, the beach, and Pier 39. Back home in Lodi, everything is at least a 10-minute drive, so it\u2019s fun for them to walk around and take in the sights and sounds in San Francisco. Although Hiedi admits she could use a little less city sound at night\u2014she\u2019s had a hard time sleeping without the comforting quiet and familiar song of the crickets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of their most treasured memories in San Francisco is going to see the musical Dear Evan Hansen at the Orpheum Theatre. Tickets to the theater were generously donated by longtime Family House supporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen Paul gave us the tickets, I had never been to a Broadway show. It was amazing to experience it with my daughter,\u201d said Heidi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last week, the two packed their bags and returned home. Natassia slipped back into her 6th<\/sup> grade classroom, eager to enjoy the excitement of the last week of school. In school, her favorite subject is math. She\u2019s also passionate about anime, a popular style of animation from Japan, and she enjoys drawing vibrant and colorful anime-inspired artwork. Looking ahead, Natassia is very excited to start middle school next year, at a new school that she\u2019ll attend with her cousin for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soon Heidi and Natassia will be back at Family House for Natassia\u2019s next scheduled treatment, and they\u2019re so grateful to have a place to stay near the hospital that feels like home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the thoughtful gifts that lift everyone\u2019s spirit, the friendly staff, and full access to the kitchen,\u201d said Heidi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen I think of Family House, my heart is full of gratitude for all they have done for us. I cannot say thank you enough.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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