The Purpose Behind Bailey’s Clubhouse

By Bret Hosket

Our mission at Bailey’s Clubhouse is to provide, at no-cost to families, a supportive and joyful, educational childcare center for children of cancer patients. Providing no-cost childcare will enable ill parents to successfully attend cancer treatments and medical appointments. Childcare is a critical social determinant of health, posing a significant barrier to healthcare for cancer patients who are parents of young children.

Bailey’s Clubhouse emerged from my personal experiences when I would accompany my late wife Susan to her treatment and medical appointments. With a strong support system of family and friends to take care of our children and working for a family business, I was able to take my wife to almost every one of her chemotherapy appointments. However, I quickly observed that many cancer patients did not have this level of support and often struggled to find childcare during treatments. I continually circled back to the childcare issue and was simultaneously driven to honor my wife, who passed away. Gathering with two close friends to form a team, we found extensive literature supporting my passion project and as a result, Bailey’s Clubhouse was born — to provide childcare, at no cost, for families who have a parent with cancer. Through our non-profit, we are turning our family grief into positive action. Ultimately, the physical and mental health status of both the children and parents/guardians will be improved through the services provided at Bailey’s Clubhouse.

From myself, and the entire board, we are proud of what we have built so far at Bailey’s Clubhouse. We are just at the beginning with so much more exciting things to come and families to serve. Join us on this journey!