Keaton’s House in Dundas enters ‘home stretch’ of $25M fundraising campaign

A new children’s hospice is planning to open its doors in Dundas next fall, but millions of dollars still need to be raised.

Keaton’s House will offer care for seriously ill children along with support for their families.

The sound of progress could be heard at the future site of Keaton’s House children’s hospice on South Street West in Dundas.

Building is just one piece of the puzzle, however. Danielle Zucchet, CEO of Kemp Care Network, says the hospice is short of its fundraising goal.

“We’re just over $17 million of a $25-million campaign, so we’re in the home stretch,” Zucchet said.

Kemp Care says Keaton’s House will be the first dedicated children’s hospice in south-central Ontario.

The facility will offer 10 private bedrooms, including two family-sized suites. Medical director Dr. David Lysecki says Keaton’s House will open up a whole new spectrum of care for children and their families.

“In addition to the medical care and the associated nursing care, it’s going to provide high-level psychosocial care,” Dr. Lysecki said. “It’s going to provide support for their siblings, it’s going to provide support for their families and their parents, grandparents, directed. And it’s going to change their experience of health care and ultimately of life.”

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Zucchet says the name Keaton’s House is a tribute to her son.

“Keaton’s House is named after my son, Keaton, who passed away in 2010 after dealing with a rare form of cancer,” she said.

She says that when Keaton was sick, their only options were care at home or in hospital.

“Although the care we received at the hospital was incredible — the Mac team wrapped us up in love,” Zucchet said. “The reality is that a hospital is not set up in the same fashion of what we’re creating here with Keaton’s House.”

Dr. Lysecki says Keaton’s House will address this local gap in children’s palliative care.

“The opportunity to come to a trusted place, where you know you’re going to receive high-level care that’s aligned with your goals for your child and be able to simply be a parent at that time,” he said.

Zucchet says she is happy families will have this care option that she never had with her son.

“This year will be 16 years that Keaton’s been gone, and you know, it’s finally coming to fruition,” she said.

Keaton’s House is aiming to open in fall 2027.

Those who would like to help can donate through Kemp Care’s website.

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