Every day seriously ill patients from the surrounding area, as well as from distant localities, arrive in the Worcester area for high-level trauma and specialized medical services. Their family members or friends follow, sometimes with just what they are wearing at the point of notification. For families from out of town, some whom represent the over 30,000 area college and university students, seeing a loved one through a serious illness exacts a high price. Unable to work, they scramble to manage home and family. Surrounded by strangers, they must set aside their worry and grief to save strength for the bedside visit. Like their loved ones they too need nurturing and care at this critical time.