If our walls could talk, they’d tell you about Gus and Emily Constancio, a couple who built their lives on love and service. Emily, a sergeant with over 20 years in the law enforcement and a former National Guard member, had dedicated her life to helping others. The couple were living their dream and had their eyes set on retirement in Roseville, California. But in July 2024, just ahead of their 10th Anniversary, that dream was shattered when Emily developed a persistent cough that spiraled into a rare form of pneumonia, leaving her fighting for her life. 

Despite multiple treatments, Emily’s condition worsened. She was put on a ventilator, but her health continued to decline. In a last-ditch effort, Emily was approved for ECMO, a life-saving machine that oxygenates blood outside the body, giving her lungs a chance to heal. The only facility in Northern California with this technology was Kaiser Santa Clara, over three hours from their home.

For Gus, this meant embarking on an emotional and exhausting journey far away from his home. The couple faced weeks of uncertainty and fear. The emotional toll was immense.

On their 10-year anniversary, Gus experienced a glimmer of hope. He brought Emily flowers, played her favorite song, and, in a tender moment, she opened her eyes and smiled at him for the first time in weeks. “It was a moment I will never forget. It gave me strength when I needed it most.”

The challenges weren’t just emotional—they were also financial. Constantly traveling to be with Emily was taking its toll. That’s when JW House became a lifeline. A hospital social worker connected Gus to JW House, and here, he found more than just a place to stay—he found a community of support.

If our walls could talk, they’d echo Gus’ words: ”JW House has become my rock, my security blanket. The volunteers, the staff—people like Sharon and Arifa—they’re just amazing. I don’t know what I would have done without them."

Emily’s fight for recovery continues, with small but meaningful victories. Though a lung transplant remains a possibility, Gus finds strength and hope in the walls of JW House, allowing him to stay by Emily’s side.