Dozens enjoy Christmas Eve dinner at Kathy's House

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The holidays are a time for families to come together to share stories of the year that's been.

An organization stepped in to make sure Froedert patients and their families had a Christmas Eve dinner.

Behind the doors of Kathy's House, you'll find families enjoying a Christmas Eve dinner, they weren't expecting to eat.

Kathy's House is a place where out of town Froedert patients and their families can stay while they overcome their illnesses.

For Karla and Mike Josephs, staying at Karla’s House wasn't in the plan this year.

Mike was diagnosed with cancer back in July, and the people at Kathy's House welcomed the Appleton couple with open arms.

"We're all having difficulties in our life because of the illness, so this place gives us so much happiness in such a rough time in our lives," says Karla Josephs. “I feel very comfortable here. You enjoy the company. I think it's because they all know what you're going through."

Karen Wenzel knows what it's like to be away from home.

Her daughter, Lindsay, died of cancer seven years ago.

She's spent Christmas Eve as an advocate for the organization in her daughter's name, making dinner here at Kathy's House.

"I would not want to have somebody who would traditionally be doing something with family Christmas Eve and not be able to have a nice event," says Karen Wenzel with Lindsay’s Voice.

As families break bread with others they never thought they'd meet, tey realize the true reason for the season.

"I can't change the past. We can't bring our daughter back. But we feel her spirit tonight, and we know there's a lot of angels out there," Wenzel says.

Click here to support Kathy’s House.

Click here to support Lindsay’s Voice.