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Eric and Daidra Hamlin

How long have you been connected with David’s Refuge?
Since 2012

Please explain any diagnosis your child has, and you have experience with.
Our oldest son Eli has a degenerative condition known as Ponto-Cerebellar Hypoplasia. Ten years later, our (surprise!) son Ezekiel was born with the same condition.

What is your favorite part of being a host?
We absolutely love hearing the stories of amazing caregivers and getting a front row seat to watching them experience physical and emotional respite, many for the first time in a long time.

What is something you want your guests to know about you?
We started our journey with David’s Refuge as a skeptical couple, unsure of why strangers would invest in us as caregivers. It took us 10 minutes with Warren and Brenda Pfohl to believe in the mission of David’s Refuge!

What is a piece of advice you have found invaluable as a family with experience in special needs or a medically fragile diagnosis?
Resist the urge to compare your situation to someone else’s. Your story is unique and is being written the way it is for a reason.

Which partner location is your favorite and why?
The Woodcliff! It’s a beautiful venue, incredible location, has plenty of amenities, and is close to home.

A genie grants you the ability to have infinite amount of one item. What is it?
Caffeine – specifically coffee in all its various forms.

What book changed your life?
You Are What You Love by James K.A. Smith

What is a question you wish people would ask you less?
“Can we have another meeting about the status of your child’s permanent condition?”