Words Of Thanks

Words Of Thanks

Mansapit Family Story

 

I recently read an article stating that a new Fisher House was built in Miami, Florida. My husband and I are originally from Miami and we are happy that military families have a place to stay during what may be some of the hardest times in their lives. I'm so appreciative that an organization like yours exists and I must share our Fisher House experience. After my husband and I were married back in August of 2008 in Miami we moved to Quantico, Va where my husband began his training with the Marine Corps. I was a newlywed, new to the military, in a new place, and was then given the happy news that I was expecting our first baby. I thought everything was going well until after my 20 week pregnancy exam I was told that I needed to go to the hospital. I had various complications during my pregnancy, which required me to go to the National Naval Medical Center in Maryland. At 31 weeks gestation I was rushed to the hospital because my water broke and within a week I had my little girl. This was a scary time for my husband and I. In the midst of this difficult experience, the Fisher House provided a home away from home and lifted the anxiety I had of staying close to my daughter while she stayed in the NICU. I will never forget this and will continue to share my story with others. I hope to contribute and donate when I can in order for others to be able to receive the same help I was so fortunate to receive. 

- Jason and Vanessa Mertilus

The Fisher House in Bethesda was our home during my son's surgery's and chemo treatment during the years of 1996,97,98,99. Our gratitude we have for the Fisher House is beyond words. Since that time our son is doing wonderful, but our thoughts of the Fisher House is never far from our minds, and we are so happy that finally more people are learning about the Fisher House and what it means to our Veterans and their Families. I would like to Thank All Our Veterans and All those that help in any way for the Fisher's Houses All Over the World.

- Sharon A. Lewinski, Mother Of A Veteran

I have just returned home from Madigan Army Hospital [Fort Lewis, WA] where I am a Red Cross volunteer. Earlier this evening, I offered a ride to a family from Alaska who were guests at the Fort Lewis Fisher House. Although I had baked or cooked meals and dropped them off at the Fisher House, I had never gone inside until tonight. I was amazed at the reception this family received from the others in the house. Someone looking from the outside would think they were related, with all the hugging, and smiles and compassion. It was an experience of a lifetime.

What Fisher House has created in this community is beyond words. This house, tonight, was filled with love, hope and peace beyond anything I have seen in my 40 plus years. Thank you for being there.

- A Happy Volunteer

The Fisher House [at Wright-Patterson AFB] has been a blessing to my husband and me. If it wasn't for the Fisher House, we would never have been able to come and have the treatments he needed. I was afraid, but the Fisher House manager made us feel right at home.

You will never find another place on this earth with such warmth, hospitality and compassion. Most of all, you feel special and much loved. I feel as if I am one of the family at Fisher House.

- The Stone Family

Thank you very much for your support during my grandson's illness. We needed a place to stay during his hospitalization at Fort Hood's Darnall Hospital. Thanks to Fisher House, we were in walking distance and one parent could exchange overnight duty with the baby. My daughter and son-in-law stayed each night at the Fisher House with a place to eat, change clothes and rest.

- The Hill Family

Six months into my pregnancy and stationed in Germany, I suffered a third degree heart attack block and was flown to the National Naval Medical Center [Bethesda, MD]. My husband was deployed to Bosnia and was not aware of the emergency. I also had two other small children. The staff notified me about Fisher House. My children stayed there with my parents, sister and brother.

I underwent heart surgery and stayed in a home environment [at Fisher House] during my convalescence. I will never forget the Fisher House in Bethesda nor will I forget the wonderful Thanksgiving dinner they provided for my family and children.

- Army Sergeant First Class

It is truly amazing how in times of need, perfect strangers come together and unite as family, each person doing his/her part in support of everyone and everything. I don't think you could ever find that kind of togetherness, generosity, caring and warmth (a general love for other human beings) anywhere but the Fisher House. It was great to be a part of the lives of some truly exceptional people, even if only for a short while.

- Peter and Family

Our son Joe suffered a cerebral aneurysm 18 days after graduating from West Point. Following a lengthy surgery and recovery period at the Mayo Clinics, Joe was moved to the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN for rehabilitation.

After two days in a motel, we moved to Fisher House. You can never believe the positive effect! The beautiful surroundings brought us out of bleak despair. Being able to converse with others experiencing trauma in their lives was a catharsis for us. The room was our "home-away-from-home." For Joe's first wheelchair ride, his brothers pushed him across the street to show him "our home." We cannot thank you enough for the many kindnesses we experienced in the Fisher House and for the many friends we met who also used this place of respite while dealing with a loved one's illness.

- The Oppold Family

My father had open heart surgery at the Denver VA Medical Center, and since we live in Nebraska, we needed a place to stay to be with my dad. I was so scared that it was going to cost us so much money.

When we arrived at the Fisher House, we thought we were in a dream! I know the good Lord was there watching our faces of joy. The house was so nice, and the inside of the house was spotless. When we stayed there all the rooms were full, and we were all like one big

family, getting together in the evenings in the kitchen, talking about our loved ones and giving each other support and prayers.

- The Dickey Family

Share Your Story