JW House provides overnight lodging, day use services, meals, and support to families and caregivers with loved ones in Silicon Valley hospitals. Mission JW House keeps families together during medical crisis by offering a welcoming home close to the hospital and providing a caring and compassionate environment that inspires hope. JW's Story In 2002, young Bellarmine student Jan-Willem Knapen, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and began his incredible journey toward the building of JW House. Over the next three years, JW fought, with his doctors, to beat his disease. He also decided to help his physician and friend, Dr. Alan Wong, to find comfort for patients and their families during long hospital stays. His dream was to build a “home away from home” for families with loved ones in the hospital. He inspired children and adults from around the world to wear blue “Never, ever give up” wristbands and to join in working to make his dream come true. JW died on August 3, 2005. During his short life, he blessed many lives. In this place of his dreams, this place of goodness, sunshine and truth, JW continues to inspire others to love one another, to dream big dreams, to find joy everyday in simple things and to never, ever give up!
