Gary's House

Gary's story:  a young man finds a dream

Gary Pike, a fun-loving and adventurous eighteen year old from Kennebunk Maine, was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 1989.

For two years he fought to overcome his disease, first by seeking treatments in nearby Portland and then in Boston.

During this time, his family faced severe financial hardship.  Medical expenses were overwhelming and without insurance the family struggled to survive.

Gary's mother, Trudy, was determined to stay with him even when this meant sleeping on his hospital room floor.  It was through her sacrifice that the concept for Gary's House was born.

It became Gary's dream that families would have a place to go when their loved-ones were faced with serious injury or life threatening illness that required hospitalization.

Gary lost his battle against cancer in 1991, yet the dream did not die with him.  Over the next seven years his family, friends and Kennebunk community worked tirelessly to raise funds to purchase the house on State Street.

Today, Gary's House stands as a tribute to a young man who dreamed of making life better for others.