One of the most recognized facilities under the Children鈥檚 Health Foundation of Vancouver Island umbrella is Jeneece Place, a 鈥渉ome away from home鈥� for families that travel to Victoria with a child requiring hospital care.
It grew from the dreams of 23-year-old Jeneece Edroff, who knew how much such a site was needed through her own experience in the health-care system. She has a rare genetic disorder, neurofibromatosis, that has led to many surgeries to remove painful tumours from nerve tissue 鈥� along with many hospital stays.
Jeneece Place, owned and operated by the foundation, opened on her birthday in 2012 on the grounds of Victoria General Hospital. It was the product of fundraising efforts led by Jeneece.
Her community-mindedness has earned her such honours as the Order of sa国际传媒 and, most recently, a Meritorious Service Cross from Gov.-Gen. David Johnston.
Funds to build the 10-room, $5.5-million Jeneece Place included $1 million from the foundation.
Jeneece said her namesake building continues to serve a steady stream of people. Having it named for her is a real honour, she said.
鈥淚t鈥檚 pretty awesome.鈥�
Jeneece said she likes to drop in and talk to the guests.
鈥淚 visit all the time.鈥�
She said the people there tell her how much Jeneece Place means to them.
鈥淭hey say it gives them a sense of relief,鈥� she said.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e so glad it鈥檚 there and they really appreciate what I鈥檝e done to make their lives better.鈥�
A total of 1,327 families were helped in the first five years, with 731 families accommodated more than once. The occupancy was grown from 75 per cent in the first year to 91 per cent today. Up to 10 families can stay at a time.
The facility is everything she hoped it would be, Jeneece said, and she envisions having two more like it on Vancouver Island.
