Imagine being the parent of a chronically ill child, who requires 24-hour care. You could not work, take vacations, clean house, spend quality time with your other children or even your spouse. Your life would turn upside down with little hope of a break.

Southwest Christian Hospice in Union City has opened their doors again to help this crisis group in need. While the hospice has cared for children since 1996, they announced last August that they have plans to build a separate wing for children called Hope House, whereas they are currently using one inpatient room.

The purpose of the new Hope House is to provide respite care, allowing parents and caregivers a break from the emotional and financial stress of constant care.

Since the announcement, the hospice has been raising operating funds for the $1.25 million facility. The new wing will contain eight children's bedrooms, a family lounge, two parents' efficiency rooms, a game, computer and music room, a library, a multisensory room, a hydrotherapy pool, spa bath and showers, gardens and outdoor play equipment and a chapel.

To date, the hospice has raised $751,000 in funds and services, which includes a $100,000 donation of services by the National Electrical Contractors Association. Mike Sorrow, executive director of Southwest Christian Hospice, said they predict construction on the wing to begin by the end of the year or the first of the year 2000.

"We're really excited about this," Sorrow said. "We would like churches to consider us for missions giving toward the operating costs or even to spilt some of their missions gifts."

The hospice is anticipating the Hope House fashion show and luncheon titled "Simple Abundance" on Feb. 21 at the Atlanta Airport Hilton from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Fashions from Belk of Fayetteville and t. buggs of Peachtree City will be presented followed by the luncheon and entertainment from 10-year-old Haley Smith.

All of the proceeds will benefit the Hope House, which as with the hospice, will provide all care at no cost to patients and families. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by sending a check to Southwest Christian Hospice, 7225 Lester Road, Union City, GA 30291.

"Ticket sales have been good," Sorrow said. "We hope to have 400 people attending."

A source of on-going support, a thrift store in Fairburn called Born Again Bargains will open April 1. The store will be located in Hudson Plaza and will be run by volunteers.

Opening Hope House will be the fulfillment of the complete vision of the Rev. Jim Dyer, former senior minister at Southwest Christian Church in East Point, Ga., and current advisory board member. The church, against much opposition and discouragement, opened the hospice in the mid-'70s with total funding provided free of charge to the patients.

"Health care professionals told him he was crazy," said Sorrow, in August . "But he stepped out in faith, and we have never been lacking."

Myrna Bond, the Southwest Christian Hospice director of nursing, said in the hospice newsletter that their is a great need for the children's ward.

"As I listen to parents report disturbed sleep, fatigue and burnout, I realize how much they need our supportive care," Bond said. " Jesus let us know how important children are to Him when He said, 'Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for such is the Kingdom of heaven.'"

Hope House will be staffed with a care manager and full supporting nursing staff as well as pediatric nurses and nursing assistants, a social worker, a physiotherapist a chaplain, and administrative staff.

The respite hospice as with the hospice, has no geographical boundaries as to whom it will serve at the center. Home-based care is provided to Coweta, Carroll, Douglas, Clayton, Fayette, Henry, Heard, Pike, Meriwether, Spalding, Troup and South Fulton counties.