Amanda's House - Glens Falls Hospital - Albany Med Health System

A Home Away From Home When You Need It Most

Amanda’s House provides accommodations for Glens Falls Hospital patients and their families who have traveled a distance for health care.

The house is located just a few blocks (less than a mile) from the hospital. The house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The downstairs is accessible, with one bedroom and a bathroom, the house kitchen, dining and living rooms.

Eligibility Guidelines

You must be a patient, family member, or close friend of a patient
You must be able to live independently and safely
You must live at least one hour away
You must be free of symptoms as described in the Health & Safety Questionnaire. Guess will be asked to sign this form upon arrival.
You must have read, understand, and agree to the House Guidelines. Guests will be asked to sign this form upon arrival.

Amanda’s House provides comfortable room and board accommodation, does not provide health care or guest monitoring services, and is intended for individuals who can live safely and independently. Security is available 24 hours a day by calling extension 1000 from the land line or 518-926-1000 from your cell phone. In the case of a health related or other emergency, call 911.

Registration

For availability and reservations, please complete the application and registration form here or call 518-792-7212.

Amanda’s House is supported by generous donations from the community and guests of the house.

Amenities at Amanda's House

Three bedrooms, one downstairs
Two full bathrooms, one on each floor
Driveway with one parking space per family
All linens (sheets, towels, blankets, etc.) provided
Washer and dryer

Kitchen with oven, stove, microwave, toaster, coffee makers
Cable television, alarm clocks, arm chairs, and closets in each bedroom
Community dining room and living room
Complimentary Wi-Fi

About Amanda

Amanda Rose Cafaro
December 6, 1997 – September 24, 1998

At her scheduled 4-month check-up, Amanda Rose Cafaro was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia. She was admitted to Maine Medical Center and eventually transferred to Children’s Hospital in Boston where, after an unsuccessful experimental bone marrow transplant, she passed away.

During her struggle, the communities in the Greater Glens Falls area rallied to the aid of Amanda and her family. To offset the extremely high cost of her treatment, numerous fundraisers were held including Lake George’s “Amanda Week” that included a different event on eight successive days. Prayers and good wishes were received from congregations of all denominations from Albany to the Canadian border.

After her death it was suggested that some memorial be established for this little girl who united the community in such a loving manner. Amanda’s House is that memorial.

About the House

The gazebo at Amanda's House in Glens Falls, NY. In 2001, Finch, Pruyn & Co. rented Amanda’s House to the Amanda’s House committee for $1. For 10 months, the old house underwent major renovations. Every weekend, volunteers, both professional and amateur, would show up and give of their time and talent. Most of the materials and all of the labor was donated.

The furnishings and appliances were purchased by different organizations and individuals who adopted a room. The house opened in 2002. Glens Falls Hospital provided much needed telecommunication support throughout the organization’s life.

The house operated for more than a decade and gave a home to hundreds of people each year. In fact, in its last year of operation as an independent organization, the house saw 900 guest nights, which was its largest year to date. The incorporated Amanda’s House could not escape the issues of the economic times and was forced to cease operations in 2013. The Board of Directors worked with Glens Falls Hospital in hopes that it could continue the house’s legacy.

Again, the community rallied around the house to save it. In 2014, the hospital, working with local business leaders, was able to raise the community support it needed. In late January 2015, Glens Falls Hospital re-opened Amanda’s House.