Providing a home away from home

George and Gloria Garcia

"Our journey started back in June of 2023. When my wife was diagnosed with cancer. Our first thought was, how can this be? She has never been sick, a day in her life. She is not on any kind of medication. We thought we needed to seek a second opinion. I started to search the web and that lead us to M D Anderson in Houston. It turned out that she was in stage four of skin cancer. My wife's tumor was around her salivary gland on her right cheek area.

After her surgery she was going to need a series of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. But after spending a great deal of money on hotels, parking and eating out, I wondered like anyone else how I was going to get through this financial burden. For sure we were going to more than likely empty our emergency fund. My wife means the world to me, so I thought time to liquidate.

I shared my concern with my wife's medical team, and it was through them that we were told about The Ballard House.

When we arrived at the Ballard house in our opinion it was like walking into a resort place. Wow! Well, the Ballard house is not a resort, but it is a wow place.

Starting with the staff and the volunteers that have a loving heart and greeted us with open arms and warm smiles.

Here you have all the comforts of home. And just like at home the gathering happens in the kitchen with a good cup of coffee. Great friendships start at the kitchen island. But the best time to meet and greet people from all around the globe is at supper time. Sharing your life journey with your illness and how everyone learns to overcome. Sharing family stories and photos, laughter and yes, some tears, some sadness, and some joy. And with that comes words of wisdom, encouragement, and hope. And before you know it, you are part of an incredibly special family.

No matter what your faith believe is, they have an awesome chapel where you can go and spend time with your thoughts. Another peaceful place is the beautiful waterfall with a beautiful garden in the backyard that is so serene.

If you have never visited The Ballard House, I invite you to come for the nickel tour and consider being a sponsor. You know someone years ago saw a need and that need has become a reality. Today, it is me, tomorrow it may be you or a loved one.

We thank God each and every day for The Ballard House. It is more than just a place to stay. It is where Iron sharpens Iron."

-George and Gloria Garcia

Marci Hanna

"I became a guest wrangler in August of 2020. A friend who volunteered there said she was sure I would love it.

That friend introduced me to what has become a place very dear to my heart.

The guests are so wonderful and it is such a privilege to see them and greet them at the front desk every other Wednesday morning. I pray as I travel there for our guests asking the Lord to heal them and give them His strength for each day.

It’s hard to adequately put into words the amount of help The Ballard House receives from the Katy community. I’m so thankful for all of the different schools, churches, restaurants,and groups that give off their time and resources. It has been wonderful to be able to be at the front desk and see all that goes on. The staff and volunteers are the most selfless people I’ve ever worked along side of. I’m forever grateful for the time I’ve had volunteering here."

-Marci