Greetings,

Twenty years ago, Miracle House was started by two friends who recognized a critical need in New York City; a housing and support service to the caregivers of people living with AIDS. Nancy Sweetser, a realtor, and Bobby Taylor, the executive director of Manhattan Center for Living, a hospice and cultural center for people facing a catastrophic illness, were moved to act by the devastating effect of AIDS on their community. There was an influx of family members and friends traveling to New York to care for their loved ones with AIDS. Bobby, who himself was living with AIDS, witnessed first hand the hardship placed on his caregivers. He saw his friends sleep on sofas, and his family bear the expense of staying at expensive hotels.

As a realtor, Nancy knew she could help. She snapped her fingers and proclaimed "That's something I can do! I can find a space!" Through her efforts and immense network of professionals and friends, she brought together Wayne Davis, Amy Chanos, and Eric Menkes to start the founding Board of Directors. They created an Advisory Board with Tom Anderson, Gray Coleman, Barry Hirsh, Mimi Russell and Mady Schuman and collectively created a home called Miracle House.

Over the years, the Miracle House mission has grown to include services to not only caregivers, but also all patients living with any serious illness. We are still the only agency in New York that recognizes the challenges of the caregiver, providing housing and support for them while their loved ones are hospitalized.

Bobby died of AIDS complications in 1994 and Nancy died from Cancer in 2008. During her illness, she personally came to understand and appreciate the true impact of Miracle House and its services. She saw how critical a warm, inviting, peaceful home filled with supportive and compassionate people is to the healing process. Her wish expressed to many of her family and friends was to keep Miracle House open forever.

At Miracle House we believe everyone should have the opportunity to heal. We offer that intangible substance called hope; hope for good fortune, hope for healing, and hope for a longer life.

Every year, thousands of people from across the globe seek out the unparalleled medical facilities and professionals of New York City. We provide them with an affordable safe place to stay, a unique support system offered through our meal program and a wonderful network of dedicated and compassionate volunteers who provide the small everyday kindnesses that carry them through their visit.

We believe in miracles because we witness them everyday. We are here because of the support and generosity of people like you. If this is your first time visiting our website or if you're already a member of the Miracle House family, I invite you to join our newsletter. Thank you for your involvement and commitment to helping those in need.

Here's to our next 20 years!

Jesse Y. Ramos
CEO