Respite House

Being diagnosed with cancer opens a door to new challenges. But for rural residents, that challenge can be even greater. Many patients and caregivers must travel long distances to receive cancer treatment. Often times these treatments, coupled with long travel times can take its toll on the patients and their support systems.

Shellie Colvard knew this challenge first hand after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2008. There were many times that she traveled an hour from midvale and back for her treatment. She knew that there was a need to help others like her experiencing these challenges. Together with her husband Surviving Hearts was formed in an effort to help ease some of those challenges for others.

Surviving Hearts paired with Dr. Sarah Bolender of St. Lukes MSTI and brainstormed solutions. Soon the idea of the respite house was born and with the help of the community members, local groups, companies, and foundations, over 1.129 Million dollars were raised to launch construction.

St Lukes Respite House reached completion in 2019 and today this amazing facility offers patients and their caregivers a 5325 sq ft facility with private wheelchair accessible rooms, RV parking area, outdoor picnic and grill area, kitchen for use, and more.

In addition to raising money to build the Respite Center, Surviving Hearts also used donations to equip the center with household items such as bedsheets, towels, clocks, hangers, books, games, puzzles, pictures, and fully equipped the kitchen.

They also fully stocked the kitchens with utensils, appliances, coffee maker, and food processors to ensure that every guest has all the comforts of home.

Surviving Hearts continues to support patients for seeking rest at the Respite House by stocking rooms with gift baskets that are geared towards easing the burdens of treatment and travel.