MANLIUS (AP) -- An upstate New York couple has opened a bed-and-breakfast for parents of children with special needs or life threatening illnesses.

The Syracuse Post-Standard reports that Warren and Brenda Pfohl created the retreat in a separate wing of their home originally built for their terminally ill son David who died in 2009. The wing is called David's Refuge and has its own private entrance. It is set on about five acres of land in Manlius.

So far, more than $8,000 has been made in donations to help offset the cost of child care while parents attend the retreat, which opens in January. Other organizations have donated services and goods.

The couple says they received so much help when they were caring for their son that they wanted to give back.

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