Home Away From Home: Blythedale's New Caregiver Cottage Now Open

VALHALLA, N.Y., September 29, 2026 - Blythedale Children's Hospital held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the Caregiver Cottage, a renovated residence designed to provide parents and caregivers with a comfortable place to stay while their children receive specialized care at the hospital.  

Located on Blythedale's campus, the Caregiver Cottage offers six private bedrooms and shared living spaces where parents and caregivers can rest, prepare meals, work remotely, and connect with others through caregiver support programming. The initiative addresses a critical need for parents whose children often require lengthy hospital stays, with the average inpatient at Blythedale receiving care for approximately 60 to 70 days. 

“The Caregiver Cottage reflects an important part of how we care for children at Blythedale,” said Dr. Nathaniel Beers, President & CEO at Blythedale Children’s Hospital. “When a child needs specialized care for weeks or even months, having a comfortable place nearby where parents and caregivers can rest, recharge and feel supported will make an enormous difference. We are deeply grateful to Angels of Light, our additional donors, and our community partners who helped make this welcoming home away from home possible.”  

During the remarks, Blythedale Children's Hospital Board of Trustees Chair Peter Rittmaster thanked Angels of Light and its founders and executive team.

"Buildings themselves don’t create community," he said. "People do, and this Cottage is really an expression of a community coming together to care for parents at a time when they need it most."

The cottage is generously supported through the local organization Angels of Light, as well as other philanthropic partners, including two anonymous donors. Community support has helped transform the residence into a welcoming space where parents and caregivers can find respite and support. 

“The Caregiver Cottage at Blythedale Children’s Hospital is a dream of our mission that has become a reality,” said Danielle M. Mollica, Founding Board Member and Executive Director of Angels of Light. “To see this vision come to life is something we will forever be grateful and blessed for. The team at Blythedale Children’s Hospital are truly angels. We are so grateful to walk beside them, to support their work, and to be a small part of creating comfort and hope for the families they serve.” 

Watch the ribbon cutting here: 

And to see the photo album from the day, click here: