Author: Joe Public

“I was unable to have my family to help me recover from a pretty major surgery.  What I didn’t realize about the Fisher House was that I would feel just as cared about, and supported as if they had been here! Always a smile available or a fun chat to pass the time.  Attention to detail was great as well.  On day 2, the staff noticed the sports drink that I had stocked my refrigerator bin with.  On a grocery run, they purchased more for me to enjoy well after my supply ran out as well as for others staying.  I will use the blanket that a volunteer made for guests for so many years to come.  And I will never forget how many yummy cookies showed up on that magical first Wednesday of the month. I was beyond grateful for all those sweet calories!   There aren’t enough words!! I Love you all.  Best Wishes!”

Simple acts of kindness, fulfilling basic needs.  A warm, comfortable place to stay and something delicious to eat.  THAT makes a difference in ways we can all relate.  Let’s help lighten the load for families staying with us, and at all Fisher Houses across the network.  Set your 2024 Make A Difference Goals, visit our calendar to sign up for lunches and dinners:

https://www.volunteermark.com/fisherhouseemeraldcoast

Borrowed from our friends in Missouri, here are some thoughts shared recently about the IMPACT of meals at a Fisher House.

Round of applause for TEAM Axient and their families, led by Joel Abrahams, who earned the honor through all-year support from preparing meals, tail-gate morale parties at the Fisher House, hosting collection drives as part of Christmas in July, support for our Gala and volunteering at many community festivals. Thanks to Joel, Suzanne and Gunny, and all the employees who embody giving back. #wenoticed

Learn more about recent news here, congrats Joel!

Our families say it best…

“Thank you so much for providing an amazing place to stay for these two weeks. We felt so welcomed and at home with everyone.  It was perfect and couldn’t have asked for better staff to be there for us!”

Congratulations, Wayne Williams, 2023 Volunteer of the Year! Wayne has been volunteering with Fisher House for the past 7 years, helping to organize all the moving parts for our annual gala, and all the festivals we support in the community. In 2021, Wayne stepped up to be the Liaison and now skillfully leads almost 800 volunteers in 7-12 special events each year. Event inrastructure, set up, staffing, tear down – he specializes in chaos management and trying to teach me how to put up a tent! Wayne retired from the Marines, continues to work full time for Lockheed Martin at Eglin, and is making a big difference in our mission.   Appreciate you Wayne!

Borrowed from our friends at Friends of Pittsburgh Fisher House – our families say it best:

“Thank you for being such a fabulous, home away from home.  My husband and I came down from SC to help our son during the first week after shoulder surgery.  We were grateful to be close to him while he adjusted to temporarily one-handed for awhile.  It’s nice t know this place is available for those who need it. Thank You!”