Making dreams a reality

The Kemp Care Network has set a bold and courageous campaign goal of $25 million. Reaching our goal will depend on collaborative and committed support partially from government but mostly from community. Today in Ontario, only 10% of capital funding is provided by the province. We urge you to help make the children’s hospice a reality for the most vulnerable children in our region.

Welcome to Keaton's House - Paul Paletta Children's Hospice

Keaton's House – Paul Paletta Children's Hospice will go beyond serving children in their last days, offering respite care, pain and symptom management as well as transitions from hospital to home when appropriate. This will create a seamless continuum of care for these children and their caregivers.

We are well on the way to providing better, more comprehensive care for children facing serious illness in South Central and Western Ontario. With the opening of Keaton's House – Paul Paletta Children's Hospice, Kemp Care Network’s dream will become a reality. Dundas will be our home at 41 South Street West, a beautiful property backing on to the rail trail and close to McMaster Children's Hospital. This home-like facility aims to provide a compassionate and holistic circle of support for infants, children and youth. 

Prospective Timeline:

  • Ceremonial groundbreaking May 2024
  • Ribbon-cutting Spring 2026

PAUL PALETTA GIFTS $5M ​

"We have one of the world’s best children’s hospitals, yet there is no children’s hospice to match the kind of care children and families need when facing serious illness. There is no greater time of need for children and their families than when they are sick and facing the news that their life will be cut short. I hope to inspire everyone to give what they can." - Paul Paletta, Keaton's House Capital Campaign Lead Donor

Latest News

Keaton's House, an initiative of the Kemp Care Network with medical care provided in partnership with McMaster Children's Hospital, will have 10 beds, to be used for hospice or respite care for families from more than 20 municipalities in McMaster Children's Hospital's coverage area.

Construction is close to starting on a children’s hospice in Dundas after city council approved a below-market lease for the land and the province provided funding to build and operate it.

The city will negotiate a below-market lease for a future children’s hospice on municipal land in Dundas with the goal of firming up an agreement in coming months. Kemp Care Network aims to build the pediatric hospice on the 41 South St. W. parcel by Wentworth Lodge, one of the city’s two municipally run long-term care homes.

Feb 7th, 2024 marked a significant milestone for Keaton’s House – Paul Paletta’s Children’s Hospice, bringing us closer to turning our dreams into reality. KCN representatives, partners, allies, and supporters gathered before the General Issues Committee of Hamilton’s city council to present the proposal for our hospice’s construction phase. Remarks by Danielle Zucchet, CEO of KCN, Megan Wright from Roger Neilson House Pediatric Hospice (Ottawa), and members of our family circle rounded out the presentation.

The proposal received overwhelming support from councillors, including Ward 13 Councillor Alex Wilson and Mayor Horwath. Pending some final details, we anticipate ratification during a full council meeting on February 14. We’re grateful to the Hamilton city council and its citizens for your ongoing support as we move forward with our plans to build a children’s hospice at 41 South St. West in Ward 13/Dundas.

A significant milestone in our journey towards building a pediatric hospice palliative center. Keaton’s House – Paul Paletta Children’s Hospice, made its inaugural appearance in front of an inspiring group of supporters and friends.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the thousands of contributors so far and to those that are considering a gift in the future. And special recognition goes to Paul Paletta whose transformational gift translated to the beautiful naming reveal.

June was marked by successfully hosting the “Welcome to the Future: Pediatric Palliative Hospice Care Symposium.” This event brought together families, community organizations, and experts in the field, fostering an environment of learning and shared experiences in pediatric palliative care. For almost every participant, it was an event that was first-of-its-kind in our region. We all play a part.

A significant development in July was securing the land at 41 South Street, Dundas, for the hospice. This city council approval marked a major step forward in establishing a permanent and nurturing space for the children and families we support. 

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