Meet Richard & Diane Knox

For Richard (74) and Diane Knox (75), a loving couple married for over 50 years, life in their quiet town of Potter Valley took an unexpected turn last September. Diane was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a devastating illness that required immediate and intensive treatment at Stanford Hospital, almost three hours away. With chemotherapy, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant ahead, the couple faced not only the emotional toll of a life-threatening diagnosis but also the daunting reality of finding a place to stay—far from home, for an unknown length of time.

As retirees, the financial burden of prolonged hotel stays, often ranging from $150 to $200 per night, was simply unsustainable. A Stanford social worker introduced them to JW House, and from the moment they walked through the doors, they felt a weight lifted. “It was life-changing and life-saving,” Diane shared.

The couple first stayed in the JW House guest rooms, later transitioning to the extended-stay apartment for Diane’s treatment. The warmth of the staff and volunteers, the home-cooked meals, and the sense of community provided them with a stability they never thought possible during such an uncertain time.

But beyond the accommodations and meals, what truly touched Diane was knowing that JW House wasn’t just taking care of her—it was also taking care of Richard. “I’ve always been the caretaker,” she reflected, “but here, I know he’s being looked after too.“

Now, as Diane moves to the final stages of recovery, the couple prepares to transition to an apartment near Stanford for continued monitoring. Though their journey isn’t over, they leave JW House with immense gratitude. “JW House was a place we could count on,” Diane said. “It gave us peace of mind when we needed it most.”