Sophie’s Club plans South Towns $1.5M youth respite center
Sophie’s Club unveiled plans for youth respite centers and spas around Erie County Thursday morning at the Downtown Buffalo Hyatt Regency Hotel.
Sophie DuFrane had Trisomy-18 a fatal genetic disorder that disrupts breathing.
Sophie’s Club supporters say there are less than five respite beds in Erie County.
With thousands of families in need, it can take up to two-years for a child to get a respite bed.
“Had I been put on a waiting before Sophie was born, she would have been put on the list but she would have died before she was able to experience respite,” said Sophie’s Mother Pauline DuFrane.
“We also need to have a place that can provide services for children who have some special sensory needs or behavioral needs and to make sure that it was the best most loving, most wonderful care that they can possibly get,” said Sophie's former pediatrician Dr. Mary Schuetz.
The first Sophie’s Club facility would be a 10-room, two-story, $1.5 million center located in the South Towns.
The "Unlocking the Door to Hope" program will raise funds through a buy-a-brick program.
Click the link for details on the Sophie’s Club "Unlocking the Door to Hope" program.
