I could not imagine how wonderful the Fisher House would be, until I actually saw it when we had a grade school class bring books and games to populate the house's library in February and had a reception for them. It is so close to Hines VA Hospital which is wonderful for the family members to be able to walk and spend time with their loved ones receiving treatment. I had heard of the Fisher House at Walter Reed through Tammy Duckworth's telling of her injuries, medical treatment and staying there. I continue to marvel at the great dedication of all of the Board Members who have been the moving force to get money and time donated, and now push to get much needed regional media publicity, as well as food and provisions to keep this Fisher House as the home for so many family members who may need it. Volunteers are always needed, no matter what time they can spare or what they can bring. All are welcomed and thanked with a heartfelt warmth. Hines Fisher House has a wonderful manager in Holly Wright and I know she will continue to be the first face the families see when they stay at the house - one that represents all of the volunteers, their hours of work, their tears at times and the joy found in seeing the building built and occupied. I will continue to raise funds and donations through my work as well as my personal circle of contacts. Each time I volunteer, I meet more veterans who may not require their family to stay here now, but who have commented that it is indeed a wonderful house. I look forward to the May 28th dedication and say boldly - we NEED the PUBLICITY, please.
This is a wonderful place where people can go when they have no where else to turn. It is supportive of military families in their time of need. We need more caring places like this. If everyone donated a litte bit of their time and/or money, or items in their home, we could help make the Fisher House become more. Spend some time at their web site to learn what they are all about and get involved. http://fofh-il.org/index.html
Fisher House is an amazing organization that meets the needs of America's greatest resource, our military. I first became familiar with Fisher House when my daughter who was in the Air Force became ill. I couldn't believe the compassionate care I received and I will forever be in their debt for helping me to get through a very difficult time.
Professional and respectful of Veteran's Families and their needs. A unique organization that exceeds expectations. While with fellow Marines in Landstuhl, Germany I saw first hand what the Fisher House did. The Friends of the Fisher House - Illinois is continuing to uphold this tradition of serving veterans and their families.
As retired military, I have seen first-hand how difficult it has been for families to be able to be at the bedside of injuired or ill service men and women as well as our veterans. The respite home that the Fisher House provides to families is greatly needed and appreciated by those wanting to be near their loved ones to help by lending their support for the recovery of their veteran. Friends of Fisher House - Illinois is helping make the Fisher House at Hines VA a reality by ensuring the comfort items for the families staying at the house are provided for beyond the "brick and mortor" of the building. Food, books, toys for children, toiletry items, computers, and the finer details of furnishing the quest rooms has been a great part of FOFH-IL early efforts. Just making the public aware is helping bring in volunteers to help staff the Fisher House during operating hours and helping the families with other needs to relieve them of the worry they often feel when traveling to distance hospitals to be with their loved one receiving treatment.
I have been involved for about 1 1/2 years, and have been very gratified to see the results of this group's efforts. I visited a Fisher House at Walter reed, and know how much it does for families of wounded soldiers. Friends of Fisher House-Illinois has much more to contribute, now that the house is open.
As a volunteer I became astonished to see people from all walks of life come forward and give of their time and talent. The same goes for the generosity of major companies who come forward with supplies and products to make all those who stay at Hines VA Fisher House feel at home.I'm very proud that Friends of Fisher House has brought in various contributions such as computers for all 20 private bedroom suites and offices, and many needed accessories.
My son went to visit the new Fisher House in Illinois with his school and we as a family were introduced to this wonderful initiative. Our military personnel deserve this and more!
Fisher House provides an amazing environment for healing veterans and their families. Through the work of enumerable passionate volunteers, the Fisher House is an entirely welcoming and stunningly comfortable and stylish interior. Whether you are an adult or a child you will feel like you are at home when you stay at Fisher House. Congratulations to everyone who made Fisher House possible!
Boy, it is sure amazing to see how a few people with a goal to help the famlies of our wounded veterans can come together and accomplish that goal. Typicaly through lots of late night meetings, pounding on doors and most impotant great leadership and dedication our first family has moved in to the new facility. I am so proud to be a part of FRIENDS OF FISHER HOUSE-ILLINOIS and will continue to help the famlies of our wounded soldiers who sacraficed their bodies for us. Harry Theodore
While involved at the grass roots level for about 4 years, and finally seeing the finished concept of a Fisher House in our backyard, I am more and more enthused about the good work it will do. After seeing Fisher House being discussed on a news program, and relating what it does for families of wounded soldiers to that of my own parents' experience, I knew I had to get involved. Our best experiences at Friends of Fisher House-Illinois are yet to come!